Mauritius Seeks 169,000 km² Ocean Expansion around Rodrigues at UN Summit

Mauritius has formally requested the United Nations to extend its maritime boundaries around Rodrigues, an island part of the Mauritian archipelago. A Mauritian delegation traveled to New York in March 2024 to advocate for the recognition of Rodrigues’ continental shelf before the UN’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

The 64th session of the CLCS is taking place in New York from July 7 to August 8, 2025.

During this period, the commission reviews various countries’ requests to define the outer limits of their continental shelves, including both new submissions and revised claims.

Among these is Mauritius’ request to expand its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around Rodrigues.

Mauritius currently controls a vast EEZ covering 2.3 million square kilometers, making it the 20th largest in the world.

This extensive maritime zone provides significant opportunities for economic development, especially in the blue economy sector.

The Mauritian EEZ includes waters surrounding Mauritius itself, Rodrigues, Saint Brandon, Agalega, Tromelin, and the Chagos Archipelago, extending up to 200 nautical miles from the coast.

In March 2024, Mauritius submitted a request to the CLCS to recognize an extension of Rodrigues’ continental shelf, covering approximately 169,000 square kilometers, as part of its EEZ.

This claim has been under review since 2009 and is supported by scientific evidence indicating that the underwater geology, especially the Rodrigues Ridge, justifies a boundary beyond the standard 200 nautical miles defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

A key issue in this debate involved distinguishing between submarine elevations and underwater ridges, as well as how to draw boundary lines around these features.

This remained a complex and contentious matter, sparking lively discussions among experts.

Under UNCLOS, coastal states have sovereign rights over the seabed and waters up to 200 nautical miles from their shores.

They can also claimed an extended continental shelf beyond this limit if supported by scientific data.

The process involves submitting a detailed request to the CLCS, composed of 21 scientists, who evaluate whether the proposed boundaries meet international criteria.

The commission does not have legal authority to approve or reject the claims but provides technical recommendations. Based on these, the coastal country can establish binding limits.

According to UNCLOS Article 76(1), the continental shelf includes the seabed and subsoil extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.

If the geological features, such as underwater ridges, justify it, a country can claim an extension beyond 200 miles, provided it does not conflict with neighboring states’ claims.

Mauritius’ ongoing efforts are aiming to secure a clear and recognized extension of its continental shelf around Rodrigues, which could enhance its maritime rights and economic prospects in the region.

Source: l’Express