Continental Shelf - Tomas Heidar

Tomas HeidarJudge, International Tribunal for the Law of the SeaDirector, Law of the Sea Institute of Iceland

25 April 2015

1. Introduction

1.1.What is the continental shelf?

The Continental Shelf

2. Historical background2.1. The Truman Proclamation, 1945

2.2. The Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf, 1958

2.3. The North Sea Continental Shelf Cases, 1969

2.4. The Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea

3. Determination of the outer limits of the continental shelf

3.1. General definition of the continental shelf

General Definition of the Continental Shelf

3.2. Determination of the foot of the slope3.2.1. The general rule- the point of maximum change in the gradient at the base of the slope3.2.2. Evidence to the contrary

3.3. Determination of the outer edge of the continental margin

Determination of the Outer Edge of the Continental Margin

3.4. Maximum limits of the continental shelf

Maximum Limits of the Continental Shelf

Delineation Principles

3.6.Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf3.6.1. Functions3.6.2. Composition3.6.3. Interpretation of article 76 (8)3.6.4. Submissions in cases of unresolved land or maritime disputes

3.7. Submissions and recommendations- 77 submissions received so far - more expected- 22 recommendations adopted so far- 46 States have submitted preliminary information

3.8. Workload of the CLCS

3.9.Submission of charts and other information to the UN and publication thereof

4. The legal status of the continental shelf4.1.Rights of coastal States over the continental shelf4.2. Resources of the continental shelf4.3.Legal status of the superjacent waters and rights of other States4.4.Payments and contributions with respect to the exploitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 M