An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a maritime zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state's baseline, where the state has exclusive rights to explore and exploit marine resources. This area is vital for managing fishing, mineral extraction, and other economic activities, allowing countries to control and benefit from their oceanic resources while also impacting international relations and trade.
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The concept of EEZs was established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982, promoting the rights of coastal nations.
Within an EEZ, coastal states have exclusive rights to fish, mine, and conduct research, but they must also respect the rights of other states regarding navigation and overflight.
EEZs can significantly impact global fish stocks, as overfishing within these zones can lead to resource depletion affecting international markets.
Disputes over EEZ boundaries often arise between neighboring countries, leading to potential conflicts that require diplomatic resolutions.
Some countries claim extended EEZs beyond 200 nautical miles based on continental shelf claims if they can prove geological continuity.
Review Questions
How do Exclusive Economic Zones influence international fishing rights and marine resource management?
Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) allow coastal nations to control fishing rights and manage marine resources within their 200 nautical mile limits. This exclusivity helps protect local fisheries from overfishing by foreign fleets while ensuring sustainable use of marine life. However, this management responsibility can lead to conflicts with other nations if resources are overexploited or if neighboring states have competing claims.
Discuss the role of UNCLOS in establishing the concept of Exclusive Economic Zones and how it impacts global maritime law.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) played a pivotal role in formalizing Exclusive Economic Zones by providing legal frameworks that define coastal states' rights over marine resources. By establishing clear guidelines for maritime boundaries and resource management, UNCLOS has helped reduce conflicts among nations while promoting cooperation for sustainable use of ocean resources. This framework has become a cornerstone for international maritime law and governance.
Evaluate the implications of conflicting claims over Exclusive Economic Zones on international relations and geopolitical stability.
Conflicting claims over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) can lead to heightened tensions between nations, as these disputes often involve valuable resources like oil, gas, and fish stocks. Such conflicts may escalate into diplomatic standoffs or even military confrontations if not managed properly. Additionally, these tensions can affect trade routes and regional stability, prompting international organizations to mediate disputes and encourage collaborative resource management to foster peace and security in maritime regions.
Related terms
Territorial Waters: The waters extending 12 nautical miles from a state's coastline, where the state has sovereignty and jurisdiction.
Continental Shelf: The submerged land extending from a coastline to the deep sea, which can be part of a nation's EEZ and may contain valuable resources.
An international treaty that outlines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, including the establishment of EEZs.