Should not downplay the widespread noncompliance with UNCLOS

Some may seek to downplay the significance of non-compliance with the LOSC by arguing that a certain level of non-compliance is to be expected in any legal system: as long as it is kept within reasonable bounds, there need be no undue concern. I believe that this is too sanguine a view. There are just over 160 parties to the LOSC, at least one-third of which (and quite possibly more) are in breach of at least one significant provision of the LOSC. Such a degree of non-compliance undermines the integrity and legitimacy of the LOSC. Furthermore, non-compliance provokes disputes, denies States parties some of their LOSC rights, threatens good order at sea, and harms the marine environment.