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Coastal law today emphasizes the prominence of the legal challenges raised by coastal erosion, encompassing urban planning, environmental, and public domain aspects. Administrative policing issues are also significant, particularly with regard to the preservation of the coastal environment. The French Coastline Act (Loi littoral) of January 3, 1986 continues to generate a rich body of case law on both sides of the shoreline. The protection of small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay remains on the agenda, as does the protection of cetaceans in the West Indies. Ship-source pollution continues to drive legal developments, while the European Union is stepping up its policies to prevent and combat marine pollution. Meanwhile, the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction is advancing toward entry into force.