pursuant to article 76, paragraph 9, of the LOS Convention, of a chart and relevant information, including geodetic data, permanently describing the outer limits of its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured in respect of the western polygon in the Gulf of Mexico. mzn72Download mex_mzn72_2009Download Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Mexico's Attempt to Extend its Continental Shelf Beyond 200 Nautical Miles Serves as a Model for the International Community S. Warren Heaton Jr.* Abstract In June 2000, the United States and Mexico signed a treaty for the delimitation of the continental shelf in the western Gulf of Mexico beyond 200 nautical miles. When the treaty was signed, both countries realized that the interpretation and implementation of the treaty depended on the scientific and legal certainty of determinations regarding how far their respective submarine continental shelves extended. On 13 December 2007, Mexico submitted information to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf regarding the limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured in relation to the Western Polygon in the Gulf of Mexico. Mexico sought an extension of its continental shelf in the Western Polygon based on international law, UNCLOS, and bilateral treaties with the United States, in accordance with Mexico's domestic legislation. Peaceful delimitation of maritime borders is essential to maintaining world order. Mexico is a country of peace, and has attempted to use international law as a tool to represent its interests. Mexico has meticulously adhered to a series of international precedents and treaties to support its claim. Moreover, Mexico has gathered significant scientific evidence to verify its sovereign authority over its maritime areas. In the author's opinion, the United States should recognize these claims and show the world that the U.S. stands for fairness, equity and the rule of law. Key Words: Law of the sea, maritime delimitation, extending the continental shelf, Mexico, Gulf of Mexico, sovereignty, maritime borders. TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction II. Evolution of Mexico's Domestic Law Regarding Maritime Borders Ratification of UNCLOS III. Defining the Continental Shelf 1. Scientific Definitions of the Continental Shelf (Establishing the Outer Edge of the Continental Margin) 2. UNCLOS and the Codification of the Continental Shelf 3. FOA on the Continental Shelf 4. Application of the Science, UNCLOS and FOA. Mexico's Determination of the Limits of Mexico's Continental Shelf IV. Delimitation of the Continental Shelf between Mexico and the United States 1. General Principles of Maritime Delimitation under International Law and UNCLOS Jurisprudence 2. Mexico's Negotiations and Delimitations with Neighboring States V. Commission's Recommendations Regarding the Limits of the Continental Shelf with respect to Mexico's Submission (Adopted 31 March 2009) 1. The Jurisdiction of CLCS 2. CLCS Application of UNCLOS and International Law to Mexico's Submission VI. Conclusion Why the U.S. Should Recognize Mexico's Claims as Adopted…
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