The United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf has confirmed Australia’s limits of 11 million square kilometres of continental shelf, providing clarity over areas which Australia has exclusive rights.

 

The Federal Government has welcomed the Seas and Submerged Lands (Limits of Continental Shelf Proclamation 2012, with Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, saying it has ramifications for the country’s energy sector.

 

“Australia has the exclusive right to explore and utilise the resources of the seabed within our continental shelf, including oil, gas, minerals and biological resources,” Mr Ferguson said.

 

“The proclamation includes large areas of continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles which are based on the 2008 recommendations of the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.”

 

The proclamation is the culmination of nearly twenty years of persistent scientific, legal and diplomatic work by government agencies, particularly Geoscience Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Attorney-General’s Department.

 

“The proclamation demonstrates the practical benefits of Australia’s international engagement in law of the sea matters and with the United Nations and its agencies,” Senator Carr said.

 

“Australia has also provided technical and financial assistance to help relevant states, including our Pacific Island neighbours, benefit from confirmation of their maritime jurisdiction.”

 

The Proclamation was made on 24 May 2012.

 

A copy of the map can be found at http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/Media-releases/PublishingImages/ECSmap.jpg