Conceptualization of Delimitation of Marine Areas from Legal and Technical Perspectives

Boundary delimitation is a complex political- legal and technical process and it is of such a great importance in indicating the jurisdiction of the coastal government over marine spaces that any unilateral delimitation leading to the violation of the rights of other states are not legally valid, and therefore legal and technical conceptualization of delimitation of marine areas has played a significant role in clarifying the principles and rules affecting delimitation. Therefore, this descriptive-analytical study has briefly examined the conceptualization evolution of some concepts of maritime law while relying on governmental and judicial procedures. The results of this paper show that the issue of national governance and legislative jurisdiction of the coastal state over different maritime areas adjacent to its territory has long attracted the attention of experts and over three centuries, prominent jurists have developed various theories in this regard. Moreover, judges of international courts have relied on the guidelines of hydrographic and geological experts and technicians to pass judgements and procedures that are the basis of legal and technical conceptualization of the principles and rules of delimitation. Therefore, conceptualization is regarded as one of the effective strategies for defining and determining maritime boundaries fairly.