libterm.com The Continental Shelf is a submerged extension of a continent, characterized by its relatively shallow depth compared to the deep ocean floor. It plays a crucial role in marine biodiversity, resource extraction, and coastal protection due to its rich ecosystems and natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. Discover how the Continental Shelf impacts your environment and economy by reading the rest of the article.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Continental Shelf | Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Submerged land extending from a continent's coast to the shelf break or 200 nautical miles | Maritime zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline where a state has rights over marine resources |
| Legal Basis | United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Articles 76 | UNCLOS, Articles 55-75 |
| Area Coverage | Up to 350 nautical miles if geological extension is proven, otherwise 200 nautical miles | Up to 200 nautical miles from the coastal baseline |
| Resource Rights | Exclusive rights to seabed and subsoil resources (minerals, oil, gas) | Exclusive rights to water column resources (fishing, marine energy) and seabed resources |
| Ownership | State owns seabed and subsoil; water column beyond territorial sea remains international | State has sovereign rights for exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources |
| Purpose | Exploration and exploitation of seabed minerals and geological resources | Management and use of living and non-living marine resources in water and seabed |
| Overlap | Can extend beyond 200 nautical miles if continental margin extends | Limited strictly to 200 nautical miles |
Introduction to Maritime Zones
The Continental Shelf extends from the baseline of a coastal state's shore to the outer edge of the continental margin, allowing sovereign rights over seabed resources up to 200 nautical miles or more where the continental margin extends beyond. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline, granting rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources in the water column, seabed, and subsoil. Both maritime zones are essential under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for coastal states to regulate economic activities and resource management.
Definition of Continental Shelf
The continental shelf is the extended perimeter of each continent, submerged under relatively shallow seas and extending to a drop-off point known as the shelf break, generally at depths of around 200 meters. It comprises the seabed and subsoil beyond a country's territorial sea, up to 200 nautical miles or more if geological conditions justify extension under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This zone grants coastal states sovereign rights for exploring and exploiting natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals found in the seabed and subsoil.
Definition of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state's baseline, granting sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, and managing natural resources in the water column, seabed, and subsoil. Unlike the continental shelf, which specifically relates to the seabed's subsoil resources, the EEZ encompasses both living and non-living resources in the water and beneath it. Coastal states exercise jurisdiction over economic activities such as fishing, mining, and energy production within their EEZ as defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Legal Framework: UNCLOS Overview
The Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as distinct maritime zones with specific legal rights. The Continental Shelf extends up to 200 nautical miles or beyond if the natural prolongation of the land territory continues, granting coastal states sovereign rights for exploring and exploiting natural resources on or beneath the seabed. The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline, where states hold sovereign rights for the exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources in the water column, seabed, and subsoil.
Geographic Scope: Continental Shelf vs EEZ
The Continental Shelf extends from a coastal state's shoreline to the outer edge of the continental margin, typically reaching up to 200 nautical miles or beyond if geological criteria are met. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) generally spans 200 nautical miles from the baseline, granting the state rights to explore and exploit marine resources within this area. While the Continental Shelf emphasizes seabed jurisdiction for resource extraction, the EEZ includes both water column and seabed rights within the specified geographic scope.
Resource Rights and Jurisdiction
The Continental Shelf grants coastal states exclusive rights to exploit seabed resources such as minerals and hydrocarbons up to 200 nautical miles or beyond if natural prolongation exists, while the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) gives sovereign rights over living and non-living resources in the water column and seabed within 200 nautical miles from the baseline. Jurisdiction in the Continental Shelf is limited to resource exploration and exploitation, whereas the EEZ encompasses wider regulatory authority including fishing, marine environmental protection, and scientific research. Disputes often arise due to overlapping claims, necessitating legal frameworks under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Overlapping Claims and Disputes
Overlapping claims between the Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) often arise due to differing interpretations of maritime boundaries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Continental Shelf extends beyond 200 nautical miles from a coastal state's baseline if geological criteria are met, while the EEZ is limited to 200 nautical miles, leading to conflicts when continental shelves extend into an adjacent nation's EEZ. Disputes frequently involve resource rights, such as oil, gas, and fishing, necessitating diplomatic negotiations or international arbitration to resolve overlapping jurisdictional claims.
Environmental Protection and Management
The Continental Shelf extends up to 200 nautical miles or beyond, allowing coastal states rights to exploit seabed resources but limited jurisdiction over environmental protection beyond this zone. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), spanning 200 nautical miles from the baseline, grants states sovereign rights for marine resource management, including enforcing environmental regulations and conservation measures. Effective environmental protection and management in both zones require international cooperation under frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to address pollution, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable resource use.
Economic Importance and Strategic Value
The Continental Shelf extends beyond a country's coastline, granting sovereign rights over seabed resources like oil, gas, and minerals, crucial for energy security and economic growth. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans up to 200 nautical miles, allowing exclusive access to marine resources such as fisheries, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology, significantly boosting maritime industries. Both zones hold strategic importance for national security, resource management, and geopolitical influence in international waters.
Key Differences Between Continental Shelf and EEZ
The Continental Shelf extends up to 200 nautical miles or beyond, where a state exercises sovereign rights primarily for exploring and exploiting natural resources on or below the seabed. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) also extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline but grants rights over natural resources in both the water column and seabed, including fishing and energy production. Unlike the EEZ, the Continental Shelf rights pertain only to seabed resources and may extend beyond 200 nautical miles if the geological shelf continues.
Continental Shelf Infographic
