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Arctic Nations who signed onto the UN Law of the Sea Treaty have a ten-year window upon ratifying to make continental shelf claims to portions of the Arctic Ocean seabed. As example, Canada ratified the treaty in November, 2003 and therefore has till November, 2013 to make its formal claim.
By definition, each country is entitled to Exclusive Economic Zones for any natural resources off their respected coastline up to 200 nautical miles. Additionally, each country can extend its claim up to 350 nautical miles if deemed that the seabed is an extension of the country by means of continental shelf. To make a legitimate claim, a country has to provide geological data to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to receive approval.
Canada’s position in moving forward with a legitimate claim to extending its continental shelf rights in the Arctic Ocean region is easier said than done. A combination of remoteness and a harsh/unpredictable climate make gathering the proper geological data in the Arctic time-consuming. Secondly, the geological make-up of the region varies and requires different data collection techniques. To that end, the Geological Survey of Canada began the extensive Arctic mapping exercise in 2007 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.
Canada’s potential extended continental shelf
Image Credit: Foreign Affairs and International Trade
The Geological Survey of Canada will be focusing its mapping exercise in three main areas: Beaufort Sea (western Arctic), Lomonosov Ridge (underwater mountain chain situated in the Arctic Ocean to the northeast of Ellesmere Island) and Alpha Ridge (central Arctic). A joint-effort by Danish and Canadian officials has completed research findings into the Lomonosov Ridge indicating that the geological feature is an extension of the North American continent.
It is generally suspected that the Arctic Ocean holds an abundant supply of natural gas, oil and minerals -- increasing the stakes for control over the region. Russia made a formal claim for continental shelf rights in 2001 and was later rejected by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf due to insufficient geological data.
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