Extending the Continental shelf around the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

11 May 2009

On 11 May 2009, the UK made its submission in respect of its extended continental shelf around the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

On 11 May 2009, the UK made its submission in respect of its extended continental shelf around the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

The UK submission was made to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. This body will consider the data presented by the UK, with a view to determining the extent of the UK continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in that area. The UK’s submission is in accordance with the provisions of Article 76 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Foreign Office Minister, Lord Malloch-Brown, commented:

"Successful completion of this process will confirm the boundaries of the UK’s jurisdiction over its continental shelf, thus ensuring our sovereign rights to manage the shelf for future generations."