Law of the sea has developed steadily and gradually since the time of Grotius. Earlier the powerful States laid extensive claims of sovereignty over specific portions of the open sea. With the developments in trade and commerce in the 20th century and the realization of the inexhaustible use of the sea, the classic principle of ‘mare liberium’  or ‘freedom of the seas’ has been eclipsed.

Law Of The Sea – History, Evolution And Provisions

Introduction Law of the sea has developed steadily and gradually since the time of Grotius. […]