The Law of the Sea: Are Existing Frameworks Fit for Purpose?

Seabed activity is increasing and with it, the importance of the infrastructure that sits beneath the surface. Subsea cables carry the vast majority of global communications, while offshore energy assets play a critical role in national economies. As reliance on these systems grows, so too does the need to protect them.

The problem is that the legal frameworks governing the seabed haven’t kept pace. Much of today’s maritime law was developed for a very different operating environment. Now, with rising concerns around sabotage, grey zone activity, and the use of autonomous underwater systems, there’s a growing sense that existing rules may not be enough. Questions around attribution, enforcement, and deterrence are becoming harder to answer, especially in busy or contested waters.

These are exactly the kinds of issues being tackled at Seabed Security 2026 (13–14 October 2026, Tróia, Portugal). The event brings together military, government, and industry stakeholders to look at how the threat picture is changing and what needs to happen next. Alongside discussions on strategy, there’s a strong focus on the technologies shaping seabed defence today. As part of Defence iQ’s wider maritime portfolio, and held in association with REPMUS 2026, it also gives attendees access to a broader operational and technological context across the naval domain.

Ahead of the conference, Defence iQ Editor Joanne Swann speaks with James Kraska, a leading voice in international maritime law. As Charles H. Stockton Chair at the U.S. Naval War College, and a former U.S. Navy judge advocate, Professor Kraska brings both academic and operational insight to the discussion. His career spans roles in the Pentagon and on the Joint Staff, as well as advising on oceans law and international negotiations.

In the interview, he looks at whether current legal frameworks are still fit for purpose. He discusses the difficulty of attributing subsea incidents, where existing conventions fall short, and how national legislation might help close some of the gaps. It’s a clear-eyed take on a complex issue - one that sits at the centre of how seabed security will evolve in the years ahead.