Chapter 3. The Role of Islands in the Generation of Boundaries at Sea

This chapter is a primer in ways law uses islands in generation of maritime boundaries. It considers first definition of word as it is used in drawing of international maritime boundaries. The chapter provides a brief treatment of ways islands are used in drawing those boundaries. It takes a fleeting look at emerging island issues in this time of accelerating sea-level rise. The chapter considers aspects of concept of that one might have thought would be history by now. Islands have played a significant role in several maritime-boundary delimitation decisions. Article 121(2) of United Nations Convention on Law of Sea (LOSC) provides that, with one noteworthy exception, the territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of island are determined in accordance with provisions of Convention applicable to other land territory. Keywords: contiguous zone; exclusive economic zone (EEZ); international maritime boundaries; islands; LOSC; territorial sea