Eez

Definition

An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a sea zone over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, extending up to 200 nautical miles from its coastal baseline. In this area, the state has exclusive rights to harvest fish, extract minerals, and manage other resources, but it does not have full sovereignty like it would over its territorial waters. EEZs play a crucial role in international law and maritime resource management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EEZs were established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982, which allows coastal nations to claim rights over marine resources in these areas.
2. Countries with longer coastlines can have larger EEZs, which can significantly impact their economic resources and international trade capabilities.
3. Disputes over EEZ boundaries are common, especially in regions where multiple countries have overlapping claims, leading to tensions and negotiations.
4. Within an EEZ, states are responsible for managing and conserving marine life, which includes setting fishing quotas and protecting ecosystems.
5. While countries have rights to resources in their EEZs, they must also respect the freedom of navigation for vessels from other nations.

Review Questions

• How does an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) impact a coastal nation's economy and resource management?
  • An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) significantly impacts a coastal nation's economy by granting it exclusive rights to exploit marine resources such as fish, oil, and gas. This can lead to increased revenue from fishing and resource extraction industries, enhancing economic development. Additionally, managing these resources responsibly within the EEZ can contribute to sustainable practices that ensure long-term benefits for the nation while protecting marine ecosystems.
• Discuss the legal implications of overlapping EEZ claims between neighboring countries and how these disputes can be resolved.
  • Overlapping EEZ claims can lead to significant legal disputes between neighboring countries, as both may assert rights to the same marine resources. Resolution of these disputes often involves international negotiation or arbitration under frameworks like UNCLOS. Countries may engage in bilateral talks or seek intervention from organizations such as the International Court of Justice to determine boundaries based on established legal principles. Effective resolution is crucial for maintaining peaceful relations and ensuring fair access to resources.
• Evaluate the role of international law in regulating EEZs and how it influences global maritime practices.
  • International law plays a critical role in regulating Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), primarily through treaties like UNCLOS, which establishes guidelines for resource management and dispute resolution. This legal framework influences global maritime practices by setting standards for responsible fishing, environmental protection, and navigation rights. The enforcement of these laws helps prevent conflicts over maritime boundaries and ensures that nations adhere to agreed-upon norms, contributing to stability in international waters while fostering sustainable development of marine resources.

Related terms

Territorial Waters: The waters adjacent to a state's coast, extending up to 12 nautical miles, where the state exercises full sovereignty.

Continental Shelf:

The extended perimeter of a continent that lies under the ocean and can extend beyond the EEZ, often containing valuable natural resources.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): An international treaty that outlines the legal framework for maritime governance, including the establishment and regulation of EEZs.