ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the geographical characteristics of the Aegean Sea and how its unusual geographical configuration renders maritime boundary delimitation in this case particularly complicated. It assesses the claimants’ respective legal positions on the issue. In analysing the claimants’ respective positions, particular attention is paid to the effect of islands in maritime boundary delimitation which forms a core element of the dispute. The chapter discusses the seabed resource potentials of the Aegean and highlights the adverse impact of the ongoing dispute on the commercial exploitation of the area’s seabed resources. It argues that the suspected presence of potentially significant petroleum deposits, both conventional and unconventional, in the area offers an economic rationale for Greece and Turkey either to delimit their maritime boundaries. The chapter provides an outline of the meaning of an ‘island’ under Article 121 of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, informed by the landmark South China Sea award.
