In this dissertation, is attempted an extensive analysis of the institution of the continental shelf, through the historical and institutional development of the Law of the Sea, as a fundamental international legal framework that regulate the rights and obligations of states in marine environments. In particular, attention is focused on the exploration and exploitation of the continental shelf in the region of the Mediterranean Sea, as a promising and highly energy-intensive region, given the vast natural gas deposits discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in recent years. At the same time, the most important environmental threats are recorded as a result of the rapid development of energy interest in the region and the reckless exploitation of newly discovered energy resources, while is attempted the record of the institutional framework for the protection of the marine environment, with reference to the most important international conventions and international protocols.