What is the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf?
The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf has 21 members, elected exclusively from states that have ratified UNCLOS. Members are experts in geology, geophysics, or hydrography. They serve in their personal capacity for a five-year term and are eligible for re-election. The first election took place at the United Nations in March 1997. The Commission may, at its discretion, cooperate with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and other competent international organizations to exchange scientific and technical information which may help to carry out its responsibilities (see Annex II, article 3(2) of UNCLOS).
