Disputed Areas Beyond 200 Nautical Miles: How Many and Will Geophysical Characteristics Matter in Their Resolution?

Abstract

Coastal States with a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles (nm), also known as an extended continental shelf (ECS), have made significant efforts to delineate their respective ECS limits. This chapter provides an assessment of all of the areas beyond 200 nm that require one or more maritime boundaries and the States involved. It also examines whether geophysical characteristics, namely the morphology and geology of the seafloor, will likely play a role in delimiting maritime boundaries for these areas. The chapter postulates that geophysical characteristics will play a role in determining relatively few maritime boundaries beyond 200 nm. The analysis in the chapter is primarily based on information provided in the executive summaries of the 58 submissions, the 45 preliminary information documents (PIDs), and the notes verbale relating to these documents submitted to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) as of 15 January 2012. Keywords:CLCS; extended continental shelf (ECS); maritime boundaries; nautical miles (NM); preliminary information documents (PIDs)