ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the Arctic Ocean and Southern Ocean separately in order to tease out some of the distinct geographical, legal and political dimensions to be found within each region. The Arctic Ocean, however, is a complex legal–geopolitical space, and those Arctic strategies are underpinned by a commitment of the Arctic coastal states to the principles of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The chapter explores the role/interests of the coastal state and for the sake of convenience the role/interests of others including the international community. Coastal states have been eager to assert their authority over territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. The Antarctic's activity levels are less advanced than the Arctic, which is an ocean surrounded by inhabited landmass with a great deal of the seabed and water column under some sort of jurisdictional control by coastal states.
