Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf Concludes Sixty-Sixth Session
NEW YORK, March 16 — The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) recently concluded its sixty-sixth session at the United Nations Headquarters, running from February 9 to March 13. The session included plenary meetings and technical examinations of submissions from various coastal states. Key discussions revolved around updates on building renovations, budget impacts, and the consideration of submissions from countries like Yemen, Mauritius, and Palau, among others.
Session Overview and Key Discussions
The sixty-sixth session of the CLCS featured plenary meetings held from February 9 to 13 and March 2 to 6. During these sessions, the Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea addressed the Commission, providing updates on ongoing renovations to the building where the Commission operates. He emphasized the Division’s commitment to delivering high-quality support despite challenges posed by the General Assembly’s decisions regarding the 2026 budget and an ongoing liquidity crisis. The Director assured the Commission that they would be kept informed about the renovation progress.
The Commission also reviewed submissions from several coastal states, including Yemen, Mauritius, and Palau. These submissions pertain to various regions, such as the southeast of Socotra Island and the North Area. The high-level representation from these states underscored the importance they place on the Commission’s work. Notably, the delegation from Palau was led by its Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Gustav N. Aitaro, while the Russian Federation’s delegation was headed by Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Alexander Kozlov.
Submissions and Presentations
During the session, the Commission considered multiple submissions from coastal states. Among these were Yemen’s submission regarding the southeast of Socotra Island, Mauritius’s submission related to Rodrigues Island, and Mexico’s submission concerning the eastern polygon in the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the Commission reviewed revised submissions from Brazil and the Russian Federation, focusing on the Brazilian Oriental and Meridional Margin and the Gakkel Ridge in the Arctic Ocean, respectively.
The Commission also heard presentations on joint submissions from Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu concerning the North Fiji basin region. Fiji presented an amendment to its submission, highlighting the collaborative efforts among these nations. The Commission’s decision to establish a subcommission to consider Yemen’s amended submission reflects its ongoing commitment to thorough examination and support for coastal states in their endeavors.
Future Directions and Recommendations
As the session concluded, the Commission expressed its intention to continue supporting coastal states in establishing the outer limits of their continental shelf. The recommendations made by the Commission are based on scientific data provided by the states and are crucial for determining the boundaries beyond 200 nautical miles from their baselines. These recommendations are binding, and any disagreements must be addressed through revised submissions.
The Chairperson of the Commission will provide further details on the session in an official statement, which will be documented as CLCS/66/2. The executive summaries of all submissions, including charts and coordinates, have been made publicly available by the Secretary-General, ensuring transparency in the Commission’s work. The summaries can be accessed on the Division’s website.
Background and Structure of the Commission
Established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the CLCS plays a vital role in advising coastal states on the establishment of their continental shelf limits. The Commission consists of 21 experts in geology, geophysics, or hydrography, elected for five-year terms to ensure equitable geographical representation. Currently, one seat remains vacant due to a lack of nominations from the Eastern European States.
The Commission’s meetings are typically held in private, adhering to its procedural rules, unless otherwise decided. The participation of members from developing countries is supported by a voluntary trust fund, facilitating their involvement in the Commission’s sessions. The General Assembly of the United Nations approves the convening of these sessions, which include comprehensive conference services and documentation. For more information on the Commission’s work, interested parties can visit the Division’s official website.
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