Knowledge about the oceans is still very limited and the development of coastal countries often depends on the potential to exploit their coastal resources. Improving the knowledge and understanding of marine and coastal processes is a prerequisite for protecting the marine environment and ecosystems in a more precautionary way and for supporting sustainable economic opportunities from ocean resources. Results from marine scientific research provide input for policy makers in pursuing developmental options and also benefit society in terms of weather forecasting and prevention of natural disasters.

Part XIII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) deals with marine scientific research, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO through its Advisory Body of Experts on the Law of the Sea (IOC/ABE-LOS) has been implementing relevant provisions of UNCLOS. Experts appointed by Member States work to implement the Convention in this field in order to provide a significant contribution to the development and conduct of marine scientific research.

In accordance with Resolution XXIV-12, IOC/ABE-LOS contributed, as required, to the updating of the document "Marine Scientific Research: A Guide for the Implementation of Relevant Provisions of UNCLOS", in close cooperation with the UN/OLA/DOALOS. For further information of this UN publication, please refer to the relevant webpage of DOALOS.

An Application for Consent on Marine Scientific Research (UN Draft Standard Form A) is annexed to the UN publication, and is also available from the link below:

Application for consent to conduct Marine Scientific Research (UN Draft Standard Form A)