Under the UN's Convention on the Law of the Sea, mining rights on the ocean floor are controlled by a little-known body, the International Seabed Authority, which since 2001 has issued 13 licences - with another six in prospect.
American sovereignty, an unfettered Navy, and where applicable, customary international law, remain our best tools for ensuring stability in critical ocean pathways like the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S labeling law prohibits any tuna caught using this method in this part of the ocean from being labeled dolphin safe even if an observer certifies that no dolphins were killed.