Definition

Submerged extension of a continent under shallow seas

Seabed & subsoil beyond 200 nautical miles if scientifically proven

Extent

From coastline to shelf break (natural edge)

Beyond EEZ up to natural prolongation proven to UN body (CLCS)

Depth

Generally up to 200 meters (600 feet)

Extends into deeper oceanic areas (up to 350 nautical miles or more)

Legal Basis

UNCLOS grants automatic rights to shelf within 200 nautical miles

Requires submission & approval by CLCS

Formation

Built up over millions of years by sediments (rivers, glaciers) & organic deposits

Natural geological extension of landmass under ocean

Economic Importance

Fishing, oil, gas, minerals, tourism (shallow water activities)

Mining for polymetallic nodules, hydrocarbons, rare minerals

Area Coverage

Less than 10% of ocean area

Varies, depending on geology; can significantly increase national seabed control

Examples

North Sea Shelf (Europe), Bengal Shelf (India-Bangladesh)

India's new claim in Central Arabian Sea (2025), Australia's large ECS in Southern Ocean

Established Under

United Nations Convention on Law of Sea (UNCLOS) - 1982

Purpose

To evaluate claims made by coastal countries for extending their continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles

Functions

Examine scientific & technical data submitted
Make recommendations on shelf limits
Facilitate peaceful maritime boundary definitions

Membership

21 experts elected for 5-year terms based on geographic representation

Eligibility of Members

Experts in geology, geophysics or hydrography

Key Power

Recommend (not adjudicate) does not resolve disputes; only assesses technical validity

Binding Nature

Recommendations are binding if accepted by submitting state

Headquarters

UN Division for Ocean Affairs & Law of Sea (DOALOS), New York

Recent Indian Submission

2025 (Modified claim in Central Arabian Sea)

Definition

A zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coastal baseline

Legal Basis

Defined under Part V of UNCLOS (Articles 55-75)

Sovereign Rights

Exploration & exploitation of living & non-living resources
Conservation & management of marine environment
Energy production from water, currents & wind

Jurisdiction Rights

Rights to build artificial islands, install structures, conduct research (with limitations)

Foreign Vessel Freedom

Freedom of navigation, overflight, laying of cables & pipelines (subject to regulations)

Difference from Territorial Sea

Territorial sea (12 nm) = full sovereignty; EEZ = sovereign rights but not full sovereignty

Importance

Economic security (oil, gas, minerals, fisheries); strategic naval operations

India’s EEZ Coverage

~2 million sq km (before considering Extended Shelf)

Recent Changes (2025)

Expansion attempt through ECS claim in Central Arabian Sea

Location

Marshy area in Rann of Kutch between Gujarat (India) & Sindh (Pakistan)

Geography

96-km long strip of water between Kutch region & Sindh province

Nature of Dispute

Differing interpretations of boundary India claims boundary lies mid-channel, Pakistan claims boundary lies on eastern bank

Historical Origin

Based on 1914 agreement between Government of Sindh (then part of British India) & Rulers of Kutch

Impact

Affects maritime boundary & EEZ claims of both India & Pakistan in Arabian Sea

Strategic Importance

Rich in hydrocarbons (potential oil & gas deposits) & fisheries

Status

Negotiations ongoing; no formal resolution yet

Relevance to Current Events

Pakistan objected to India's ECS claim (2021) leading India to modify its Arabian Sea submissions (2025)

Connected Disputes

Maritime boundary determination, EEZ claims overlap

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss strategic significance of continental shelf & challenges involved in extending a country claim beyond Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under UNCLOS provisions. Illustrate your answer with reference to India recent modifications in Central Arabian Sea claim.