Dividing and managing increasingly international waters: delimiting the Bering Sea, Strait and beyond

This chapter focuses on environmental changes and increasing navigation in the Arctic, and particularly, maritime jurisdiction and boundary delimitation in the Bering Sea, Bering Strait and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Ostensibly, maritime delimitation issues were addressed through an agreement between the United States and the United Soviet Socialist States (u.s.s.R.) concluded in 1990. Even though the terms of the agreement are observed by both the United States and Russia, the Duma has not ratified the treaty. Discussion of delimitation issues is prefaced by an overview of the maritime geographical setting, physical changes in the Arctic marine environment, and recent developments with respect to shipping activity via the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea. The United States-Soviet maritime dispute in the region, which predated the 1990 agreement is also explored, with particular reference to its technical aspects relating to types of straight lines to be defined.