A 52,000-square-kilometer area of the Sea of Okhotsk has been recognized as part of the Russian continental shelf, Sergey Donskoy, the minister of natural resources and the environment said Friday, Russia Today reported.

The UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf had made a unanimous and unconditional decision, Donskoy said.

Geologists estimate that the area, close to Japan, holds more than 1 billion tons of natural gas and oil. Up till now, it had been known for its fisheries resources but Russian fishermen did not have the right to fish the entire area.

The enclave that has been integrated into Russia is about the same size as a nation like Switzerland, and up to 40 percent could hold natural resources.

Global Times