622 
coasts plunge precipitously to the ocean floor (e.g., on the 
west coast of South America), the limit on seabed mineral 
‘jurisdiction would automatically operate on the deep ocean 
floor; (ii) in the case of narrow or enclosed seas, the 
principle of adjacency might appropriately carry coastal 
mineral jurisdiction to the median lines, even though these 
are beyond the continental blocks. 
This proposal should not necessitate any amendment 
of the text of the Continental Shelf Convention. That Con- 
vention's differentiation between the coastal state's exclusive 
rights in seabed minerals, on the one hand, and, on the other 
hand, the non-exclusive status of the seabed with respect to 
research and other uses not related to mineral exploitation, 
would be retained. So also with the Convention's preservation 
of the high-seas status of the overlying waters. 
It would, however, be both appropriate and desirable 
to reiterate these understandings in the recommended declara- 
tions. In the instance of scientific research, which is being 
increasingly impeded by the requirement of coastal consent 
for research undertaken on the continental shelf, these 
parallel declarations might be employed to secure greater pro- 
tection for this vital activity. 
£36 With respect to the. regime which should be 
applicable to the minerals in and under the 
seabed, seaward of the limit of the coastal 
state's exclusive jurisdiction 
(1) On the basis of the information now available, 
we do not think jurisdiction should be vested in the United 
Nations or in any other international organization to administer 
an international licensing system with power to grant or deny 
exploration and production concessions with respect to these 
resources. 
(2) We think there should be created an international 
commission (including adequate representation of the maritime 
powers now engaged in oceanic research and mineral exploration), 
or vesting responsibility in an existing commission so con- 
stituted, with instructions to draft a convention (subject, of 
course, to ratification) which shall have as its objectives: 
