The Influence of Undersea Feature Naming on Delimitation of Continental Shelf: A Case Study of Japan

Base on the tracing study on the Japanese undersea feature naming activity, this study shows that, Japan has named Bando Basin, removed Hangetsu Trough, Shingetsu Hole and Oki-Daito Trough, and altered some features names near Ogasawara Plateau and Oki-Daito Ridge, before and after the submission for Delimitation in outer limits of continental shelves. Contrary to the general undersea feature naming rule, these actions aim to extend its continental shelf boundaries. It is suggested that the study of relationships between naming undersea feature and marine right and interest should be enhanced.