Analysis of the Spanish baseline system in light of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Summary

In order to proceed to a complete and effective delimitation of the marine spaces of any State, it is necessary to study the limits set unilaterally by them and, in particular, the system of baselines from which they are measured. The determination of the baseline from which the different maritime zones under the jurisdiction of the coastal State are established presents few difficulties, especially at the theoretical level, since, under normal conditions, the low tide line should be taken as a reference. However, the coastal State may, exceptionally, resort to straight baselines, by which it artificially rectifies its coastline. In this case, however, tracings have to be practiced in accordance with the international standard. This paper provides an in-depth study of the conformity of the Spanish base system with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.