New technology and the protection of the marine environment

This chapter focusses on the multifaceted relationship between new technology, the protection of the marine environment, and law. It identifies four categories to classify and analyse this relationship: (1) new technologies for marine resource exploitation; (2) new technologies intended to mitigate environmental harm; (3) new technologies that enhance scientific knowledge; and (4) new technologies for monitoring and enforcement. Next, three cross-cutting themes are identified that characterise the different ways in which new technology facilitates, improves, and challenges the protection of the marine environment and how this relationship is mediated by law. First, it entails a balancing act which depends on a multitude of variables. Secondly, technological advancements may challenge the adequacy of the applicable legal framework. The third and final cross-cutting theme relates to the range of actors and interests involved and raises questions of who uses (new) technology, who benefits, and who carries the burdens and risks.