Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

How It Works

An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a maritime area that extends up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline. Within this zone, the coastal state has special rights primarily related to the exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources—both living (like fish) and non-living (such as oil, gas, and minerals). While the coastal state exercises these rights, other states retain freedoms such as navigation and overflight, meaning ships and aircraft from other countries can still pass through the EEZ without seeking permission.

Why It Matters

EEZs are significant because they grant coastal states control over valuable marine resources, which can greatly influence their economies and food security. The establishment of EEZs has also reshaped international maritime law, creating a clear legal framework for resource rights and responsibilities at sea. This clarity helps reduce conflicts over marine resources, although disputes still arise, especially when EEZ boundaries overlap between neighboring countries.

EEZ vs Territorial Waters

It is important to distinguish an EEZ from territorial waters. Territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles from the coast, within which the coastal state exercises full sovereignty, similar to its land territory. In contrast, an EEZ extends beyond territorial waters up to 200 nautical miles but does not grant full sovereignty; instead, it gives sovereign rights specifically for resource-related activities. Other states enjoy freedoms like navigation and laying submarine cables in the EEZ, which they do not have in territorial waters without consent.

Real-World Examples

A prominent example of EEZ disputes involves the South China Sea, where multiple countries claim overlapping EEZs due to the region's strategic importance and rich resources. Another example is the United States, which has one of the largest EEZs globally, including areas around Alaska, Hawaii, and various Pacific islands, providing access to abundant fisheries and offshore energy resources.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that a coastal state controls all activities within its EEZ, including military operations by other countries. In reality, while the coastal state has exclusive rights over resource exploitation, other states can conduct military exercises and transit freely, provided they respect the coastal state's resource rights. Another misunderstanding is that the EEZ is internationally recognized territory; however, it is a zone of special rights, not full sovereignty like land or territorial waters.