In a historical move, the United States and Canada have agreed to work together on a United Nations scientific mapping project. The project’s objective is to extend their claims under Law of the Sea in the Arctic region. Some fear that this move will effectively put international waters under UN sovereignty and allow  UN’s Division for Ocean Affairs to determine regulations and eventually even tax countries wishing to use international waters.

In the past, the two countries have often disagreed on Arctic sovereignty claims. It would seem, however, officials are ready to work together. According to the Canadian Coast Guard, American and Canadian icebreakers plan to map the Canada Basin situated just north of the Beaufort Sea. The expedition will begin later in the summer.
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