ABSTRACT
Marine resources in the Arctic and the regulations that govern their exploration and exploitation have been largely affected, and limited to a great extent, by ice and darkness. These extreme conditions may explain why the regulation of and interest in deep sea mining activities in the Arctic is at an earlier stage than in other regions of the world. Much of the marine Arctic is covered by ice, especially in the winter months. However, due to climate change the ice coverage in the Arctic is decreasing rapidly. All Arctic coastal states have declared maritime zones in accordance with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This includes the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf. The Arctic council has facilitated the negotiation and adoption of three legally binding agreements: the agreement on cooperation on aeronautical and maritime search and rescue in the Arctic, the agreement on cooperation on marine oil pollution preparedness.
