Welcome to the Extended Continental Shelf
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US Coast Guard icebreaker Healy and the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Louis S. St-Laurent side by side.
Credit: NOAA -
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The US Coast Guard icebreaker Healy cuts through one of the least known areas of the world--the Arctic.
Credit: NOAA -
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View of USCG HEALY and Canadian Coast Guard Cutter LOUIS S. ST. LAURENT working together.
Credit: UNH/NOAA -
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The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Louis S. St. Laurent (front) and the US Coast Guard vessel Healy (back).
Credit: Natural Resources Canada -
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The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Louis S. St. Laurent (left) follows the US Coast Guard vessel Healy.
Credit: NOAA -
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Crew members on board the Louis S. St. Laurent lower equipment into the water.
Credit: Natural Resources Canada
Welcome to the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf Project website.The mission of the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) Project is to establish the full extent of the continental shelf of the United States, consistent with international law.
The ECS is that portion of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from shore. The U.S. ECS is an important maritime zone that holds many resources and vital habitats for marine life. Knowledge of the exact extent of the U.S. ECS and an improved understanding of its resources will promote economic prosperity and enhance stewardship of our natural resources.
The process to determine the outer limits of the U.S. ECS requires the collection and analysis of data that describe the depth, shape, and geophysical characteristics of the seabed and sub-sea floor. Since 2003, U.S. agencies have been engaged in gathering and analyzing data to determine the outer limits of the U.S. ECS.