Maritime rights of coastal states and climate change: should states adapt to submerged boundaries?

Law and development working paper series no. 5:

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on some of the potential legal implications of a possible shift or submersion in coastlines as sea levels rise. The paper notes that if such a shift occurs, it may have grave implications, particularly for developing countries that lack the resources and capacity to address complicated historical and geographic approaches to boundary claims. It concludes by recommending that both technical and financial assistance be provided to these developing coastal states and low-lying regions so that they can approach any future territorial and maritime boundary negotiations with the necessary tools.