437. For these reasons, the Tribunal is of the view that the reference to
natural prolongation in article 76, paragraph 1, of the Convention, should be
understood in light of the subsequent provisions of the article defining the
continental shelf and the continental margin. Entitlement to a continental shelf
beyond 200 nm should thus be determined by reference to the outer edge of
the continental margin, to be ascertained in accordance with article 76,
paragraph 4. To interpret otherwise is warranted neither by the text of
article 76 nor by its object and purpose.
438. The Tribunal therefore cannot accept Bangladesh’s contention that, by
reason of the significant geological discontinuity dividing the Burma plate from
the Indian plate, Myanmar is not entitled to a continental shelf beyond
200 nm.