Analysts see nations' misuse of 'rational use' when it comes to fishing rights

The term "rational use," as applied to fishing rights in Antarctic waters, has been misused by certain countries, an analysis by a team of researchers has concluded. Its work, which comes ahead of the 34th international convention where these matters are negotiated, posits that some nations mistakenly see the term as a license for unrestricted fishing—an interpretation the study's authors say is not supported by language in international accords.