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UN Recognises An Extension To New Zealand’s Seabed
On 22 September 2008, the United Nations recognised New Zealand’s claim to its continental shelf. The area consists of 1.7 million square kilometres of seabed. This area is outside of New Zealand’s existing 200 nautical miles (370.4 kilometres), Exclusive Economic Zone (“EEZ”).
A 21-member commission was established under the Law of the Sea Convention to consider submissions and make recommendations on the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond an EEZ. New Zealand can now exercise rights to resources such as petroleum and other minerals in its continental shelf.
The seas above the continental shelf are, however, international waters. This means that New Zealand has no special rights to fisheries within its continental shelf area.
A boundary is being negotiated.
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