The United Kingdom and seabed mining

As an island nation, the United Kingdom (UK) has a long history as a leader in marine exploration and it has frequently been at the forefront of developments in the legal regime relating to marine resources. Following agreement on modifications to Part XI in 1994, the UK became a party to UNCLOS and it has since developed its legal framework in order to implement its obligations relating to seabed mining with a view to remaining at the forefront of this field. The continental shelf boundary largely coincides with the exclusive economic zone boundary but becoming a party to UNCLOS allowed the UK to make claims to an extended continental shelf in two main areas. Unlike the extensive legislative framework for the regulation of offshore oil and gas exploitation, the UK has no legislation dedicated to seabed mining on the UK continental shelf.