406. Regarding the question whether it can and should decide on the
entitlements of the Parties, the Tribunal first points out the need to make a
distinction between the notion of entitlement to the continental shelf beyond
200 nm and that of the outer limits of the continental shelf.
407. It is clear from article 76, paragraph 8, of the Convention that the limits
of the continental shelf beyond 200 nm can be established only by the coastal
State. Although this is a unilateral act, the opposability with regard to other
States of the limits thus established depends upon satisfaction of the
requirements specified in article 76, in particular compliance by the coastal
State with the obligation to submit to the Commission information on the limits
of the continental shelf beyond 200 nm and issuance by the Commission of
relevant recommendations in this regard. It is only after the limits are
established by the coastal State on the basis of the recommendations of the
Commission that these limits become “final and binding”.