Durham plots measurement and testing claims near Falklands

The University of Durham has plotted the places where the UK and Argentina both claim rights to measurement and testing of oil deposits off the coast of the Falkland Islands.

Following the war which took place in the islands in 1982, Argentina surrendered, but continues to claim some territorial rights in the region.

Researchers at Durham University have now plotted this, showing how the opposing claims impact on plans for measurement and testing in the area south of the islands where oil has recently been discovered.

Director of research at the university's International Boundaries Research Unit Martin Pratt says: "The islands generate rights over the resources of more than 2.5 million sq km of sea and seabed in the South Atlantic Ocean alone."

He adds that the map - which includes areas where both countries claim development rights - highlights the "complications" that exist as exploration intensifies following the recent discovery.

Rockhopper Exploration announced the find in the Sea Lion Exploration Well last week after fluid samples and pressure readings indicated that all collected samples were of a mobile crude oil or similar substance.