Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 11th meeting of the Headquarters for Ocean Policy at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, the future policy for extending the continental shelf was determined. Afterwards, there were reports on the review results of the team that examined marine zone management practices for the Exclusive Economic Zone, and on FY2013 progress and FY2014 implementation matters for the basic plan on the development of a hub facility and preservation of the low-water mark for promoting the protection and use of the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf.

Based on the decision, the Prime Minister said in his address,

“Japan is a maritime nation completely surrounded by ocean. The resources from this expanse of ocean contain great hidden potential that will help carve out a future for Japan.
On this occasion, in accordance with the stipulations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, we have decided to extend the continental shelf to which we maintain sovereign rights for the exploration and development of natural resources. This is a major achievement for the national interests of Japan. I would like relevant ministries and agencies to work together to appropriately address the extension of the continental shelf, including the enactment of a cabinet order.
Additionally, the management of our territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone requires that a facilitative framework for usage and coordination be built, with full consideration given to users of these waters and the environment in order to promote marine industries. From this perspective, I ask that relevant ministries and agencies work together to examine the creation of legislation as needed.”