The ocean is not regulated by any one country. It is sometimes referred to as the global commons, because it is not subject to ownership. But there are many customs that govern the sea, and the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea codifies these customs into international law.

This issue of Insights explores the history of the Convention, often called a "constitution" for the oceans, and its main clauses.

In Perspectives, two experts address the ongoing debate about whether ratifying the Convention would be in the best interests of the United States. And Law Review takes a detailed look at how international conventions are ratified in the United States, using the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as an example.

Other stories in this issue look at the rise of modern piracy, and the ongoing problem of overfishing. Learning Gateways asks students to look at the impact of fishing regulations imposed on the striped bass fishery off the east coast of the United States. A Billy Joel song about the decline of the east coast fishery and the effects of that decline on fishermen helps students connect to the subject and personalize the story.

As always, you'll find:

• Resources and links to lesson plans to accompany every feature
• A quiz for students on the topics covered in this issue
• Links to information about careers and profiles of people whose work is focused on the oceans
• A web quest for students about the consequences of massive ocean pollution

Find any broken links? E-mail the webmaster.
General comments about Insights? E-mail us.