A coastal state’s Exclusive Economic Zone is a sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) over which the state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind. Stretching from the baseline out to 200 nautical miles (370 km) from its coast, the zone allows the coastal nation sovereign rights for fishing, mining, and drilling, and the responsibility to manage these resources sustainably. For example, Japan’s extensive coastline allows it to claim a significant EEZ, enabling it to exploit valuable fishing grounds and potential mineral resources.
The establishment of these zones is vitally important for several reasons. Economically, it allows coastal nations to control and profit from their offshore resources, fostering economic growth and stability. Environmentally, it empowers nations to protect marine ecosystems and enforce regulations against pollution and overfishing. From a geopolitical standpoint, it defines maritime boundaries, reducing the potential for conflicts over resources and navigation rights. Historically, the concept emerged in response to growing concerns about overexploitation of marine resources and the need for international cooperation to manage shared ocean spaces.
