The rights to the “mineral and other non-living resources of the sea-bed and subsoil together with living resources belonging to sedentary species” on the continental shelf (but not the resources of the water column above it) are exclusive to the coastal State. Oil and gas exploration and production, and seabed mineral mining can therefore be controlled, generating State income through licences, royalties and taxes.
What are the benefits to a coastal State of establishing the boundaries of the continental shelf?
