Fiji is seeking international recognition of its rights over parts of the seabed beyond 200 nautical miles from its shores, potentially giving the country greater control over valuable underwater natural resources.
The country has taken another significant step towards securing these rights after presenting its case before a United Nations subcommission in New York on October 19.
The submission concerns Fiji’s extended continental shelf claim in the Lau-Colville and Tonga-Kermadec Complex region, commonly known as the South Fiji Basin.
A continental shelf is the underwater extension of a country’s land, consisting of the seabed and the ground beneath it.
Under international maritime law, countries can seek recognition of rights over the seabed beyond 200 nautical miles if they can scientifically establish that the area forms part of their continental shelf.
If Fiji’s claim is accepted, it would strengthen the country’s legal rights to explore and manage natural resources in the area, including seabed minerals and potential oil and gas deposits.
However, these rights would apply to the seabed and its resources, not ownership of the waters above it or exclusive fishing rights.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Fiji made its presentation during the 68th Session of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), being held at the United Nations Headquarters from October 19 to November 20.
The presentation follows Fiji’s initial scientific and legal submission in April this year, after which the Commission established a subcommission to examine the claim.
The Ministry said the latest engagement allowed Fiji to clarify information previously submitted and respond to questions on the legal and technical aspects of its claim.
Fiji’s delegation is led by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini.
He is supported by Second Secretary Aliti Radevo, Director of Fiji Hydrographic Services Commander Jervis Robinson, and Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources Senior Scientific Officer Robert Varea.
The delegation also includes Pacific Community technical expert Malakai Vakautawale and Geolimits director Dr Alain Murphy.
The Ministry said preparation of Fiji’s submission had taken more than a decade, involving extensive scientific and technical work by the Maritime Affairs Coordinating Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
It also acknowledged support from the Pacific Community and its consortium partners through the regional Maritime Boundaries Programme.
The CLCS is responsible for examining scientific and technical submissions from coastal countries seeking to establish the outer limits of their continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles.
The Ministry said Fiji’s participation demonstrated its commitment to international maritime law and effective ocean management.
Fiji’s claim remains under consideration, with the latest presentation forming part of the ongoing United Nations assessment process.
