Integration in modern ocean law and policy: The murky waters of international law in state practice

Since the 1970s (although arguably earlier) the concept of integration has been developing at the international level to provide a modern alternative response to coastal and ocean management. This thesis therefore seeks to explore the status of integration in this context as a principle of modern international environmental law or as a concept that is central to the attainment of sustainable development.; Upon a generic exploration of selected national legal and policy responses to international instruments that have encompassed the concept of integration, it is argued that a discernible trend towards a more integrated approach is emerging. Most importantly this process indicates that there may be no singular model for implementation of integration which must be contextualized to fit the complex management problematique of each country.; The final focus of this thesis therefore turns to a more context-specific analysis of the efforts of Canada and Australia through the development of their respective Oceans Act and National Oceans Policy. It is submitted that these new approaches represent significant steps towards integrated ocean management but as yet both countries have only made small tracks in the right direction on a long and winding road. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...