GUÍA COMPLETA DE LA CONVEMAR

Understanding Maritime Rights

Introduction to Maritime Rights

• The discussion focuses on maritime rights, specifically those established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), also known as Convemar.

• UNCLOS is regarded as one of the most significant multilateral treaties in history and is often referred to as the "Constitution of the Oceans." Argentina ratified this convention in 1995 through law 24543.

Key Concepts of Maritime Zones

• States must define a baseline line along their coast, which represents low water marks. This baseline is crucial for determining various maritime zones.

• Territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline, where coastal states have sovereignty over airspace, seabed, and subsoil.

• A contiguous zone can extend up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline, allowing states to enforce laws related to customs, immigration, and sanitation.

• The exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline, granting states rights over natural resource exploration and exploitation.

Continental Shelf and High Seas

• The continental shelf includes seabed and subsoil extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline; states have rights for resource exploration here.

• High seas are defined as waters beyond EEZ limits. They are considered res communis or common property belonging collectively to all nations.

Classification of Internal Waters

• Internal waters include international rivers (e.g., Río de la Plata), national rivers, closed seas without access to open sea, bays, straits, ports (natural or artificial), anchorages for vessels, and artificial canals.

Principles Underlying UNCLOS

• UNCLOS serves as a constitution for oceans with fundamental principles including mutual understanding among states regarding maritime rights.

• It emphasizes respect for state sovereignty and peaceful use of marine resources while promoting equitable utilization and environmental preservation.

Legal Framework Specificities

• International law governs relations between states concerning maritime issues. It establishes a legal community that regulates interactions among nations.

• Articles 76–83 detail regulations about continental shelves within UNCLOS. These articles outline how coastal states can claim extended continental shelf rights under specific conditions.

This structured summary provides an overview of key discussions surrounding maritime rights based on UNCLOS while linking directly back to relevant timestamps for further reference.

Continental Shelf and Its Economic Importance

Overview of the Continental Shelf

• The continental shelf can vary significantly in size, with some areas having an almost negligible presence.

• The continental slope is a geological formation that descends towards the abyssal plain, characterized by varying inclinations.

• This slope transports sediments and features deep cracks due to constant marine erosion, highlighting its geological significance.

Economic Significance of the Continental Slope

• The continental slope is economically important as it supports marine life, scientific research, and natural resources like oil and gas.

• It also provides habitats for diverse marine species and supports fishing activities, contributing to aquatic biodiversity.

Definition of Continental Margin

• The continental margin extends submerged from the landmass and includes the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, slope, and abyssal plain.

• It marks a transition zone between land and deep ocean basins but does not include deep ocean floors or ridges.

Legal Framework: Rights Over Continental Shelf

Article 77 - Sovereign Rights

• States have exclusive rights over their continental shelves for exploration and exploitation of natural resources.

Article 78 - Juridical Condition of Waters

• The exercise of sovereign rights must not affect other states' legal conditions regarding waters or airspace above them.

Article 79 - Submarine Cables & Pipelines

• All states can lay submarine cables; however, coastal states can take reasonable measures to prevent pollution related to these installations.

Article 80 - Artificial Islands & Structures

• Coastal states have exclusive jurisdiction over artificial islands or structures built on their continental shelf.

Article 81 - Drilling Rights

• Coastal states are granted exclusive rights to conduct drilling operations within their territorial limits.

Pagos y Contribuciones en la Plataforma Continental

Explotación de Recursos Más Allá de las 200 Millas Marinas

• La convención establece que los estados pueden extender su plataforma continental más allá de las 200 millas marinas, siempre que cuenten con el aval o sigan las instrucciones de la comisión de límites.

• Si un estado ribereño decide explotar recursos no vivos más allá de las 200 millas marinas, debe realizar pagos y contribuciones en especies, según lo estipulado por el artículo 83.

Delimitación entre Estados con Costas Adyacentes

• La delimitación de la plataforma continental entre estados con costas adyacentes o situadas frente a frente se realiza únicamente mediante acuerdos pactados entre ambos países.

• Estos acuerdos deben basarse en el derecho internacional para alcanzar una solución justa y equitativa sobre la delimitación.