Securing the limits of large ocean states in the pacific: Defining baselines limits and boundaries amidst changing coastlines and sea level rise

Publication Name

Geosciences (Switzerland)

Abstract

The Pacific Island States and Territories are traditionally described as ‘small island’ nations. However, they are also ‘large ocean’ nations with jurisdiction over substantial maritime spaces stretching to at least 200 nautical miles. The article addresses issues related to baselines along the coast on which these broad maritime claims depend. The article then examines geodynamic considerations coupled with sea and land level projections in the Pacific leading to an assessment of the vulnerability or resilience of atolls in particular. The article then discusses potential implications for the coastlines and baselines of the Pacific Island States and Territories, the limits of their maritime entitlements and both delimited and undelimited maritime boundaries. Potential response options, prospects, and concluding thoughts are then offered.

Open Access Status

This publication may be available as open access

Volume

11

Issue

9

Article Number

394

Funding Number

DP180101996

Funding Sponsor

Australian Government

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11090394