Details on Aves Island - How Venezuela Controls the Caribbean Sea
In a previous article (Venezuela and Bird Island) I talked about Venezuela’s claim on Aves Island. Now Aves Rock (or Island). This island is about 2 meters above sea level at it’s highest point, and is at times completely submerged. However Venezuela has gone to great lengths to make sure that the island is continually inhabited (In a facility built on stilts). We’ll get into the details of why in a minute. But after some careful checking I found some pictures of the “island” that truly give an idea of how big it is.
First, a view of the island from the side of a ship.
Then a shot of the “Permanent Human Habitation” - Note the rubber dingies on the right for scale.
Finally the reason why Venezuela has gone to all of this trouble. The yellow area shows the Venezuelan Economic space, with the effect of Aves Island/Rock.
Under the International Law Of The Sea Aves Island is classified as a rock which does not get the 200mile economic zone, however Venezuela hasn’t signed the UNLOS treaty. This rock effectively removes a significantly removes most of the OECS’ economic zone. The irony is that if Venezuela finds oil in those waters, they’ll sell it to the OECS on REALLY EASY finance terms under Petro Caribe (but at full cost of course!)
So once again…., What does Mr. Chavez get out of Petro Caribe?
Marginal
Dear “Marginal”,
Maybe in his view and that of his followers not all benefits should be measured in dollars and cents, perhaps they view their international influence gained this way as a benefit itself, maybe, I don’t know.
JSB-714
Comment by JSB-714 — July 22, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
To be fair, this claim and the “human habitation” didn’t start with Hugo Chavez. It’s been around for a long time, it is only recently in the Caribbean that we have become aware of the strategic importance of these territorial claims. I don’t particularly think this is so much about influence as resources. In a country that has a thriving petroleum industry they get the value of territory. To my mind that would be the driver behind the claim of Guyana as well as this claim.
This is not unique. The whole Barbados/Trinidad UNLOS arbitration was about resources as well living and non living. And this was on both sides of the dispute not just the Barbados end.
What amazes me is that the OECS has been so quick to jump and sign the Petro Caribe agreement without considering this.
Marginal
Comment by notesfromthemargin — July 23, 2007 @ 1:04 am
With PetroCaribe, Chavez gets effective control over a vital part of the OECS economy for very little in up-front payment. Politically and economically, it’s a brilliant move for Venezuala but it doesn’t do anything for the OECS other than put off payment. They weren’t thinking straight - or possibly at all. It’s really mortgaging the future. Bad idea.
Comment by james — July 25, 2007 @ 12:40 pm
Marginal,
Very interesting EEZ map using the “island” scenario. Do you will like to share with us a map showing the rock scenario?
Thanks, Ya
Comment by Yayo — August 12, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Yayo,
I don’t have a map, but I believe that under the Law of The Seas convention a “rock” is allowed only a 12 mile “economic zone” as opposed to the 200 Miles given to an island.
Marginal
Comment by notesfromthemargin — August 13, 2007 @ 1:30 am
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Venezuela is NOT a signatory to UN convention of the law of the sea. However, your blog is still providing excellent “fodder for the brain”. Thanks.
Comment by Citizen First — August 15, 2007 @ 2:51 pm
Citizen,
thank you for your kind words, we acknowlege that they haven’t signed in the last paragraph. “…200mile economic zone, however Venezuela hasn’t signed the UNLOS treaty.” Their not signing creates all kind of issues for the future of the Caribbean.
Thanks again, and we hope you will continue to comment.
Marginal
Comment by notesfromthemargin — August 15, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
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