Арктика-2007

...many countries' deadline for submissions of May 2009. "I've never worked so hard on strategic policy as now," says Lindsay Parson, who leads the UNCLOS Group at the United Kingdom's National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.

 

To prove their claims, countries need to collect bathymetric data that accurately describe the underwater lie of the land and seismic data on the structure of the sea floor. These data can be used to determine where the continental shelf off a country's coast falls away in a 'continental slope' and how far sediments derived from the land extend out beyond the foot of that slope. The sea floor can be claimed if it is sedimentary rock at least 1% as thick as its distance from the foot of the continental slope. These measurements require input from geologists and oceanographic experts. If there is no sedimentary rock, a country is only entitled to claim an additional 60 nautical miles out. In 2001, Russia became the first country to make a submission to the United Nations. It was told to supply more information, in particular about the Lomonosov Ridge, which runs under the Arctic Ocean between Russia and Canada. Russia claims this ridge is an extension of its Siberian shelf, but this is hotly contested by Canada and others. On 29 July, Russia sent two mini-submarines, Mir-1 and Mir-2 to a depth of 1.3 kilometres in the first-ever Arctic test dives to gather data to boost its claims.

 

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced plans to spend around Can$7 billion (US$6.5 billion) on up to eight new reinforced Arctic patrol vessels. "Canada has a choice when it comes to defending our sovereignty in the Arctic; either we use it or we lose it," Harper said. "And make no mistake, this government intends to use it. Because Canada's Arctic is central to our identity as a northern nation. It is part of our history and it represents the tremendous potential of our future." Canada is claiming 1.75 million square kilometres of the Arctic seabed.

 

The Arctic is not the only contentious seabed. Countries around the world, including New Zealand, Brazil and Ireland, have already submitted claims to the United Nations. Parson is involved in the United Kingdom's four claims — one, which concerns the Bay of Biscay, will be submitted by the end of August.