International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Joint (Fisheries) Development Zone between Jamaica and Colombia

The Maritime Delimitation Treaty between Jamaica and the Republic of Colombia (“Maritime Delimitation Treaty”) was signed on 12 November 1993 in Kingston, Jamaica and came into force on 14 March 1994 when Jamaica and Colombia exchanged the instruments of ratification.

 
LME

 

The Maritime Delimitation Treaty between Jamaica and the Republic of Colombia (“Maritime Delimitation Treaty”) was signed on 12 November 1993 in Kingston, Jamaica and came into force on 14 March 1994 when Jamaica and Colombia exchanged the instruments of ratification.

 

The Member States are Jamaica and Colombia.

 

The maritime boundary between Jamaica and Colombia is constituted by geodesic lines drawn between the following points: Point 1, Latitude (North) 14º 29’ 37”, Longitude (West) 78º 38’ 00”; Point 2, Latitude (North) 14º 15’ 00”, Longitude (West) 78º 19’ 30”; Point 3, Latitude (North) 14º 05’ 00”, Longitude (West) 77º 40’ 00”; Point 4, Latitude (North) 14º 44’ 10”, Longitude (West) 74º 30’ 50”. From point 4, the delimitation line continues by a geodesic line in the direction to another point with the coordinates 15º 02’ 00” North, 73º 27’ 30” West, until the delimitation line between Colombia and Haiti is intercepted by the delimitation line to be decided between Jamaica and Haiti.

Within this area is “The Joint Regime Area,” in which Jamaica and Colombia agreed to establish “a zone of joint management, control, exploration and exploitation of the living and non-living resources.” The Joint Regime Area is bounded by the following coordinates: Point 1, Latitude (North) 16º 04’ 15”, Longitude (West) 79º 50’ 32”; Point 2, Latitude (North) 16º 04’ 15”, Longitude (West) 79º 29’ 20”; Point 3, Latitude (North) 16º 10’ 10”, Longitude (West) 79º 29’ 20”; Point 4, Latitude (North) 16º 10’ 10”, Longitude (West) 79º 16’ 40”; Point 5, Latitude (North) 16º 04’ 15”, Longitude (West) 79º 16’ 40”; Point 6, Latitude (North) 16º 04’ 15”, Longitude (West) 78º 25’ 50”; Point 7, Latitude (North) 15º 36’ 00”, Longitude (West) 78º 25’ 50”; Point 8, Latitude (North) 15º 36’ 00”, Longitude (West) 78º 38’ 00”; Point 9, Latitude (North) 14º 29’ 37”, Longitude (West) 78º 38’ 00”; Point 10, Latitude (North) 15º 30’ 10”, Longitude (West) 79º 56’ 00”; Point 11, Latitude (North) 15º 46’ 00”, Longitude (West) 80º 03’ 55”. The Joint Regime Area then proceeds along the arc of 12 nautical miles, which is centered at 15º 47’ 50” North, 79º 51’ 20” West, to the coordinate at 15º 58’ 40” North, 79º 56’ 40” West and then is closed by a geodesic line to Point 1. The Joint Regime Area specifically excludes the maritime areas around the cays of Serranilla Banks and around the cays of Bajo Nuevo.

 

Under Article 4 of the Maritime Delimitation Treaty, Jamaica and Colombia agreed to establish a Joint Commission for the purposes of implementing the provisions of the Maritime Delimitation Treaty. For more information on the Joint Commission, seeFunctions and Organizational Structure.

 

According to Article 4(1) of the Maritime Delimitation Treaty, the Joint Commission “shall elaborate the modalities for the implementation and carrying out” of the following activities:

  • The exploration and economic exploitation of natural resources in the waters and seabed of the Joint Regime Area;
  • The establishment and use of artificial islands, installations and structures;
  • Marine scientific research;
  • The protection of the marine environment;
  • The conservation of living resources; and
  • Other measures as authorized by the Maritime Delimitation Treaty or as agreed upon by Colombia and Jamaica to ensure enforcement and compliance with the Maritime Delimitation Treaty.

Additionally, where hydrocarbon or natural gas deposits are discovered on both sides of the delimitation line, the resources shall be distributed so that both Colombia and Jamaica receive an amount proportional to the amount of the resource found on each side of the line.

The Member States also agreed not to authorize third states and international organizations to carry out the above listed activities, unless acting pursuant to certain arrangements (such as leases, licenses, joint ventures, and technical assistance programs) concluded with either Colombia or Jamaica to achieve the objective of the Maritime Delimitation Treaty. The Joint Commission may adopt measures that ensure that nationals and vessels of third states comply with regulations adopted by the Member States for implementing the Maritime Delimitation Treaty. For activities relating to the exploitation and exploration of non-living resources, marine scientific research, and protection of the marine environment, Colombia and Jamaica agreed to carry them out on a joint basis, as agreed upon by both of them.

 

The Joint Commission consists of one representative from each Member State, who may be assisted by other advisers as necessary. Colombia and Jamaica retain jurisdiction over their respective nationals and vessels flying its flag, as well as vessels over which it exercises management and control under international law.

 

Jamaica and Colombia can regulate the activities of other states and international organizations in the Joint Regime Area. See Functions.

 

Conclusions of the Joint Commission are adopted by consensus and are considered to be non-binding recommendations to the Member States. When the conclusions of the Joint Commission are adopted by the Member States, they become binding.

 

Under Article 7 of the Maritime Delimitation Treaty, any dispute between Colombia and Jamaica on the interpretation or application of the Maritime Delimitation Treaty is to be settled by means of peaceful settlement in accordance with international law.

When one Member State alleges that the other Member State has breached or is breaching the provisions of the Maritime Delimitation Treaty or measures adopted for its implementation, the Member State alleging the breach shall bring it to the attention of the other Member State. Both Member States will consult with each other and attempt to reach a settlement within 14 days. Furthermore, when Colombia or Jamaica receives notice that it is alleged to have breached or is breaching the Maritime Delimitation Treaty, it is obligated to ensure that the complained of activities do not reoccur or are discontinued.

 

No specific provision.

 

When one Member State alleges that the other Member State has breached the agreement, it should bring the breach to the attention of the other Member State. See Dispute Resolution.

 

No specific provision.

 

No specific provision.

 

No specific provision.

 

No specific provision.

 

No specific provision.

 

N/A

 

See

There are currently no items in this folder.

 Depending on the project scope the treaty may not be applicable to all projects