The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act it is contrary to New Zealand’s international obligations to protect the marine environment under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, contrary to the precautionary principle which has been accepted by the International Court of Justice and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea as customary international law, and contrary to international best practice. The proposed regulations would implement these reckless and unlawful amendments, but, in addition, may also be ultra vires.
