The South Atlantic Ocean borders Argentina along its eastern flank. This massive expanse of water defines the country’s entire eastern boundary, stretching from its northern limits with Uruguay down to the southernmost tip of the continent. The Argentine sector of this ocean is often referred to locally as the Argentine Sea, playing a major role in the nation’s geography, climate, and economy.
The South Atlantic Coastline
Argentina’s Atlantic coastline extends for approximately 4,700 to 5,100 kilometers. This extensive shoreline begins in the subtropical latitude near the border with Uruguay and follows a predominantly south-southwest trajectory. The coastline traverses the temperate plains of the Buenos Aires Province and continues through the arid, windswept region of Patagonia, reaching as far south as the island of Tierra del Fuego.
The coast is characterized by a wide continental shelf known as the Patagonian Shelf, which extends far into the ocean. The Patagonian Shelf provides a shallow, nutrient-rich environment that supports a high density of marine life. The biological richness found in the Argentine Sea influences the country’s maritime activities.
Defining Coastal Waterways
At the northern end, the border begins at the Río de la Plata, a funnel-shaped estuary formed by the confluence of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers. This immense body of water, sometimes considered the world’s widest river, separates Argentina from Uruguay before emptying into the Atlantic.
Further south along the Patagonian coast, the shoreline is punctuated by deep indentations, including the Gulf of San Matías and the Gulf of San Jorge. The Gulf of San Matías, bordered by the Valdés Peninsula, is known for its diverse marine mammal populations. At the southern extreme, the Strait of Magellan is a strategic natural passage separating the South American mainland from the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Argentina shares control of the eastern mouth of this strait.
Argentina’s Maritime Jurisdiction
Argentina exercises legal rights over a vast marine area beyond its physical coastline under international law. This area is defined as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast’s baseline. Within this zone, the nation maintains sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources.
The Argentine EEZ is highly productive, supporting extensive commercial fishing operations. The area is particularly known for its rich populations of species like the Argentine shortfin squid and various hake species. Furthermore, the continental shelf within the EEZ holds potential for the exploration and exploitation of non-living resources, such as offshore oil and gas reserves. The management of this immense zone represents a significant aspect of the country’s economic and environmental policy.