ARGUMENTS

I. RHINOPTERRA HAS THE FREEDOM TO CONDUCT MARINE SCIENTIFIC

RESEARCH IN THE HIGH SEAS ACCORDING TO UNCLOS.

A. The State of Rhinopterra has the right to conduct marine scientific

research according to UNCLOS.
According to UNLCOS, all States, irrespective of their geographical
location, and competent international organizations have the right to
conduct marine scientific research subject to the rights and duties of
other States as provided for in this Convention. Hence, the State of
Rhinopterra can indeed conduct marine scientific research as long as it
is regulated by the provisions of this Convention.
B. The deep-sea bed mining project is in accordance with the general
principles for the conduct of marine scientific research pursuant to
Article 240 in the UNCLOS.

1. The deep-sea bed mining project was conducted exclusively for

peaceful purposes pursuant to Rhinopterra’s national interest.
UNCLOS provides that any marine scientific research should be
pursued exclusively for peaceful purposes.1 In this case, the
deep sea bed mining project was pursued for the national
interest of the State of Rhinopterra and for the benefit of its
citizens as evidenced by the announcement of President Imza
Yebv.
2. The deep sea bed mining project was in accordance with the
rules and regulations contained within the UNCLOS.
According to the UNCLOS, Necessary measures shall be
taken in accordance with this Convention with respect to
activities in the Area to ensure effective protection for the
marine environment from harmful effects which may arise from
such activities.
To this end the Authority shall adopt appropriate rules,
regulations and procedures for inter alia: (a) the prevention,
reduction and control of pollution and other hazards to the
marine environment, including the coastline, and of interference
with the ecological balance of the marine environment,
particular attention being paid to the need for protection from
harmful effects of such activities as drilling, dredging,
excavation, disposal of waste, construction and operation or

1
UNCLOS, Part XIII, Article 240 (a)
maintenance of installations, pipelines and other devices related
to such activities; (b) the protection and conservation of the
natural resources of the Area and the prevention of damage to
the flora and fauna of the marine environment.
In this case, even before the prospecting and exploration
took place, STI managed to get an exploration contract with the
International Seabed Authority. This is a manifestation that STI
was within the regulations and rules enshrined in the UNCLOS
for the exploration of polytechnic nodules and marine scientific
research. The contract is proof of the legality of STI’s actions.