Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate
Overview
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a concept defined by international law, specifically under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It grants coastal nations sovereign rights over the exploration and use of marine resources within a specific zone extending from the coastline.
Key Facts
- Definition: The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a maritime zone that extends up to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometres) from a coastal state’s baseline.
- Sovereign Rights: Within the EEZ, the coastal state has sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources found in both the water column and the seabed and subsoil below it.
- Resource Jurisdiction: These sovereign rights primarily pertain to the exploration and exploitation of living and non-living resources. Living resources include fish and other marine organisms, while non-living resources encompass minerals, oil, and gas.
- Exclusive Rights: The term “exclusive” in EEZ indicates that the coastal state has exclusive rights to exploit and manage the resources within this zone. Other countries are not allowed to undertake activities such as fishing, drilling for oil and gas, or mining without the coastal state’s permission.
- Legal Framework: The legal basis for establishing EEZs is provided by UNCLOS, which was adopted in 1982 and entered into force in 1994. UNCLOS sets out the rights and obligations of states regarding the use and management of the world’s oceans and seas.
- Delimitation: Delimitation of EEZ boundaries between neighbouring or adjacent states is typically determined through bilateral or multilateral agreements, taking into account factors such as geographical proximity, equitable principles, and relevant circumstances.
- Exceptions: While the EEZ grants extensive rights to coastal states, it does not affect certain freedoms enjoyed by all states under international law, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as the right to lay submarine cables and pipelines.
- Enforcement: Coastal states are responsible for enforcing regulations within their EEZs, including measures to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as environmental protection.
Exclusive Economic Zone of India
- The Exclusive Economic Zone of India covers around 2.3 million square kilometres.
- India has a 7,500-kilometer coastline and includes offshore islands.
- Challenges
- India faces various challenges in managing its EEZ, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime piracy, smuggling, and environmental degradation.
- Addressing these challenges requires effective governance, law enforcement, and international cooperation.
Summary
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a maritime zone established by UNCLOS, granting coastal states sovereign rights over the exploration and exploitation of marine resources within 200 nautical miles from their coastlines.
- It serves as a crucial framework for managing and conserving marine resources while balancing the interests of coastal states and the international community.
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