The Evolution of Scientific and Technical Methodologies in the Delimitation of Maritime Spaces

Abstract

The most important modern theoretical contribution made to ocean boundary-making is the recognition that establishing maritime boundaries and outer limits of national maritime spaces has a functional role.1 Under this theory, boundaries and limits are not regarded as separate jurisdictional or geometric entities, but rather they are important elements for sustainable development of the oceans. The theory of ocean boundary-making has been the subject of intense interdisciplinary research.2 The value of the contributions made by any particular discipline towards the delimitation of a maritime boundary is largely measured by its ability to support more effective ocean governance. Contemporary international practice recognizes the fundamentally interdisciplinary nature of the delimitation of maritime spaces. The roles of technical and scientific experts has evolved from simple technical tasks of depicting a geometric line or area on a nautical chart to developing a wide set of creative boundary scenarios and proposals. The boundary scenarios are developed in view of all the legal, historic, economic, strategic, technical, and scientific data and information available for the particular maritime region and are depicted in a variety of formats. Flexibility to accommodate any intrinsically special and relevant circumstances of each maritime boundary seems to be one of the key factors for success. This essay cannot provide a full description of the evolution of ocean boundary-making methodologies. Instead it highlights the evolution of the scientific methodology employed in the delimitation of international maritime spaces, which comprises two components: the determination of the outer limits of