Fisheries Jurisdiction (Federal Republic of Germany v. Iceland)
United Nations International Court of Justice
1974 I.C.J. 175, 201-205 (July 25)
- Written by Kyli Cotten, JD
Facts
In 1948, Iceland (plaintiff) passed a law to establish conservation zones so that all fisheries within its waters would be subject to Icelandic control. In 1958, Iceland issued new regulations expanding the limits of its jurisdiction to 12 miles off Iceland’s coast. The Federal Republic of Germany (defendant) initially refused to acknowledge the validity of this regulation, but after negotiations, the countries drafted an agreement. The agreement stated that Germany would not object to the extension of Iceland’s jurisdiction but that Iceland would provide Germany with six months’ written notice prior to another extension. In 1971, Iceland announced that it would extend Iceland’s jurisdiction to 50 miles. Germany brought this action to the United Nations International Court of Justice, claiming that Iceland could not unilaterally denounce the agreement and requesting that Iceland pay for any damage suffered by Germany’s fishermen.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Per curiam)
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