1. Mapping in Support of Law ofMapping in Support of Law of
the Seathe Sea
Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping / NOAA-UNH
Joint Hydrographic Center University of New
Hampshire, USA
A presentation onA presentation on
HEALY 07-03HEALY 07-03
to the Alaska Eskimo Whalingto the Alaska Eskimo Whaling
CommissionCommission
Larry Mayer and Andy Armstrong
2. UN Law of the Sea TreatyUN Law of the Sea Treaty
• A coastal nation may claim sovereignty over theA coastal nation may claim sovereignty over the
seabed and subsoil (including environmental protection)seabed and subsoil (including environmental protection)
of the continental margin beyond their current 200of the continental margin beyond their current 200
n.m. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under Article 76n.m. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under Article 76
of the United Nations Convention on the Law of theof the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOSSea (UNCLOS))
• if… the shape of the seafloor meets certain criteriaif… the shape of the seafloor meets certain criteria
• thethe 2500 m (~8250 ft) depth line (contour)2500 m (~8250 ft) depth line (contour)
• the “foot of the slope” – (~13,000 – 16,000 ft)the “foot of the slope” – (~13,000 – 16,000 ft)