8 July 1987

36th plenary meeting

Economic and technical aspects of marine affairs

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1980/68 of 25 July 1980 on co-operation in the uses of the sea and coastal area development, 1983/48 of 28 July 1983 on marine affairs and 1985/75 of 26 July 1985 on economic and technical aspects of marine affairs,

Convinced that the resources of the ocean represent an important existing and potential contribution to development,

Noting the growing interest of Member States, in particular developing countries, in developing their marine resources,

1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Development of marine areas under national jurisdiction: problems and approaches in policy-making, planning and management";

2. Recognizes the need for the development of national marine plans, particularly by developing countries, within a framework of an integrated and comprehensive approach, taking fully into account intersectoral aspects of marine resources development;

3. Invites the organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system to continue to provide, within their mandates and terms of reference, assistance to developing countries in their assessment of the economic, scientific, technical, financial and human resources aspects of marine affairs, with a view to strengthening the capabilities for the implementation of their national marine policies and plans, particularly those relating to international co-operation in that field;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to study global, regional and national developments, in the context of international co-operation related to marine affairs;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to provide, in his report to be submitted to the Council at its second regular session of 1989, an account of the measures taken to respond to the needs of Member States, particularly those of the developing countries, in this field.