continental shelf

Under Article 76 of UNCLOS the continental shelf extends through the natural prolongation of the land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to 200 nautical miles from the baselines where the margin is shorter. It can extend further, generally up to 350 nautical miles, on the basis of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf's recommendations.

The coastal state's rights are sovereign rights for exploring and exploiting natural resources. They exist inherently, without occupation or proclamation (Article 77), and do not affect the status of the waters above. Neighbouring states delimit the shelf by agreement on equitable principles. India's rights are declared in the Maritime Zones Act, 1976.

Example

Oil fields under the seabed 150 nautical miles off Mumbai lie on India's continental shelf, and no other state may exploit them without India's consent.

In Indian law

• Articles 76 and 77, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982
• North Sea Continental Shelf cases (International Court of Justice, 1969): delimitation by agreement on equitable principles
• Section 6, Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976

See also

exclusive economic zone · contiguous zone · high seas · customary international law

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