2 Resources and Human Activities on the Continental Shelf Beyond 200 Nautical Miles

Subject(s):

Natural resources — Marine living resources — Pollution — Coastal states — Continental shelf

This chapter examines the physical characteristics of the continental shelf—describing both the living and non-living resources that may be located in and on the shelf. The purpose of the chapter is to provide context for subsequent discussions about coastal State rights. Although in most cases the continental shelf beyond 200 nm is likely to be very deep, a number of activities already occur on extended shelves, and this is likely to increase in the future. The chapter describes the types of resources likely to be found on the continental shelf beyond 200 nm, activities that might occur in relation to the resources, and the environmental impact of those activities. The chapter therefore illustrates that it is timely for coastal States to consider how to effectively manage and protect their sovereign rights to the resources of the continental shelf beyond 200 nm.