Exclusive Economic Zones

Definition

Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are maritime areas established under international law where a coastal state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including mineral and energy resources, extending 200 nautical miles from its baseline. These zones grant countries the authority to manage and exploit resources like fish, oil, gas, and minerals, while also ensuring they have control over environmental impacts within these regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EEZs cover about 39% of the world's oceans and provide coastal states with exclusive rights to marine resources.
2. Coastal nations can exploit not only fish but also seabed resources like oil, gas, and minerals within their EEZ.
3. The establishment of an EEZ does not affect the freedom of navigation for other states; they can still pass through these waters without restriction.
4. Disputes over EEZ boundaries can arise between neighboring countries, leading to negotiations or conflicts over resource claims.
5. Countries must prove their claims for extending EEZs beyond 200 nautical miles by demonstrating the natural prolongation of their continental shelf.

Review Questions

• How do Exclusive Economic Zones impact the management of marine resources by coastal nations?
  • Exclusive Economic Zones provide coastal nations with the authority to manage and exploit marine resources within a defined area. This includes regulating fishing activities, exploring for oil and gas reserves, and mining seabed minerals. By having exclusive rights in their EEZs, countries can promote sustainable practices and protect marine environments while maximizing economic benefits derived from these resources.
• Discuss the legal implications of disputes arising from overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones between neighboring countries.
  • Disputes over overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones often lead to complex legal challenges involving international law. Nations may invoke treaties like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve boundary issues or seek arbitration. Such disputes can create tensions between countries, impacting diplomatic relations and potentially leading to conflicts over resource access, making it essential for nations to negotiate and establish clear agreements.
• Evaluate the role of Exclusive Economic Zones in addressing global challenges such as overfishing and environmental protection.
  • Exclusive Economic Zones play a crucial role in managing global challenges like overfishing and environmental degradation. By granting coastal states control over their marine resources, EEZs enable better regulation of fishing practices and conservation efforts. Countries can implement sustainable management strategies to prevent overfishing and protect fragile ecosystems. Additionally, they can enforce environmental regulations to mitigate pollution and habitat destruction, contributing to global efforts toward ocean health.

Related terms

Continental Shelf: A submerged border of a continent that extends from the high-water mark to the deep ocean, often rich in minerals and resources.

International Waters: Areas of the ocean that are not under the jurisdiction of any one country, typically beyond 200 nautical miles from the coastline.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): An international treaty that outlines the rights and responsibilities of nations concerning their use of the world's oceans, including the establishment of EEZs.