During the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), held in New York from 7 July to 8 August 2025, Michał Tomczak, PhD, an employee of the Pomeranian Branch of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute in Szczecin, was re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Commission.

The CLCS implements the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by issuing recommendations on the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline. This body analyses submissions from coastal states based on measurement and research data, including bathymetric, geophysical and geological measurements. Following these recommendations, states gain access to vast areas of the ocean floor – along with the mineral resources found there – thereby extending their jurisdiction.

As part of his role at the Commission, Michał Tomczak participates in the work of subcommittees assessing applications from Mozambique (as chair), Mexico, Namibia, Tanzania, as well as the Cook Islands and Cuba, for which recommendations have recently been issued. The Commission's meetings include subcommittee sessions with representatives of coastal states at a high diplomatic and expert level, during which the results of the work are presented, and substantive discussions are held.

Michał Tomczak, PhD

Poland's representative is also involved in the activities of the Scientific and Technical Assistance and Training Subcommittees. These efforts will result in, for example, a series of bulletins to help coastal states prepare their applications properly.

Udział Polski w pracach Komisji Granic Szelfu Kontynentalnego realizowany jest w ramach zadania „Analiza uwarunkowań i współpraca z zakresie bezpieczeństwa surowcowego Polski” i dofinansowana ze środków Narodowego Funduszu Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej (Nr umowy 90/2024/Wn-07/FG-SM-DN/D)