While it has been generally assumed that activities directed at bioprospecting are, prima facie, an exercise of the freedom of the high seas under article 87 of the Convention, it is important to note that the freedoms referred to in article 87 are not absolute.
On pense généralement que les activités de bioprospection participent de l'exercice de la liberté de la haute mer en vertu de l'article 87 de la Convention; il convient toutefois de noter que les libertés visées à l'article 87 ne sont pas totales.