Environmental Politics Ocean Governance Questions
Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are maritime zones established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to grant coastal states exclusive rights and jurisdiction over the exploration and exploitation of natural resources in the adjacent waters. EEZs extend up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline, allowing the coastal state to exercise control over the waters, seabed, and subsoil within this zone. However, other states still have the right to navigate through these waters and conduct scientific research. The concept of EEZs aims to balance the interests of coastal states in utilizing marine resources while ensuring the freedom of navigation and promoting sustainable development of the oceans.