Paper short abstract:

The extension of the scope of jurisdiction over the Atlantic continental shelf will force both countries to assume the monitoring and protection of a very large maritime area and carry out the exploration and exploitation of the seabed.

Paper long abstract:

The extension of the scope of jurisdiction of Portugal and Spain over the continental shelf in the Atlantic is an important challenge that will force both countries to assume responsibilities of surveillance and protection over a very wide maritime area. At the same time, it also opens the possibility for the scientific exploration of a seabed, which can accommodate significant resources of multiple uses (with opportunities for exploitation in areas such as pharmacology, cosmetics, mining, industrial energy). Also, the delimitation of these new marine spaces is an opportunity for both countries to set their maritime borders, both in overlap areas, and in areas nearby national costal, whose limits can only be solved by bilateral agreement. Based on the available conclusions of a project undertaken by a team of Portuguese and Spanish researchers, this presentation will describe a) the historical process involving the extension of continental platforms, b) and analyze both national legislation and economic statistical data, in order to c) get a big picture of the challenges and opportunities for both countries. How to solve all these challenges in a context of limited human and equipment resources? Comparisons will be made, and discussed prospective scenarios for the future relation between the two Iberian countries in what refers to maritime issues.