Continental shelf of Chile

Tricontinental Chile, the Exclusive Economic Zone, Continental Shelf, and the Extended Continental Shelf.

The continental shelf of Chile refers to the underwater extension adjacent to the Chilean coasts that stretches from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean.[1][2]

The scientific study and delimitation of the continental shelf and its outer limit are conducted by the National Committee for the Continental Shelf, established in 2007.[3][4]

The delimitation of Chile's continental shelf follows principles established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which sets guidelines for the delineation of continental shelves by coastal states. Chile has submitted claims to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

Apart from its economic importance, the continental shelf also holds geopolitical significance. Its delimitation has occasionally led to tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Argentina, which also claims rights over adjacent maritime areas.[5][6][7][8][9] Decisions and presentations made to the UN have influenced bilateral relations and Chile's maritime policies, making the continental shelf a critical issue in the country's security and defense agenda.

  1. ^ Juan Ignacio Ipinza Mayor (December 2019). "La plataforma continental de Chile en el área del Cabo de Hornos y el Pasaje Drake: Tiempo de definiciones" (PDF). Center for Research and Strategic Studies (in Spanish). 12–2019. ISSN 0719-4110. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  2. ^ Jorge Guzmán (2017). "La plataforma continental extendida: el caso de Chile y Argentina en el mar austral y la Antártica". Revista de Marina (in Spanish). 957: 12–17. ISSN 0034-8511.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Proyecto was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Decreto164 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Karen Manzano; Diego Jiménez (2023). "Plataforma continental y la Antártica Chilena: Antecedentes históricos, geopolítica y recursos naturales" (in Spanish). ANEPE. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  6. ^ "Plataforma continental extendida en la Antártica y la situación de Chile" (in Spanish). Revista Marina. August 17, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  7. ^ "Plataforma continental argentina: La nueva disputa con Reino Unido y el papel de Chile" (in Spanish). Biobío. March 30, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  8. ^ "La zona en el pasaje de Drake que genera una disputa territorial entre Argentina y Chile" (in Spanish). BBC Mundo. September 10, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  9. ^ "Tensión entre Chile y Argentina por la plataforma continental" (in Spanish). La Tinta. September 2, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2024.