410. Therefore, the fact that the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond
200 nm have not been established does not imply that the Tribunal must
refrain from determining the existence of entitlement to the continental shelf
and delimiting the continental shelf between the parties concerned.
411. The Tribunal’s consideration of whether it is appropriate to interpret
article 76 of the Convention requires careful examination of the nature of the
questions posed in this case and the functions of the Commission established
by that article. It takes note in this regard that, as this article contains
elements of law and science, its proper interpretation and application requires
both legal and scientific expertise. While the Commission is a scientific and
technical body with recommendatory functions entrusted by the Convention to
consider scientific and technical issues arising in the implementation of
article 76 on the basis of submissions by coastal States, the Tribunal can
interpret and apply the provisions of the Convention, including article 76. This
may include dealing with uncontested scientific materials or require recourse
to experts.