Recently, fisherfolk have urged the Indian government to include their representatives in policymaking bodies. Their practical expertise is essential for achieving responsible fishing within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Without their input, effective resource management in these waters is hindered.
An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a designated area of the ocean that generally extends up to 200 nautical miles (approximately 230 miles) beyond a nation's territorial sea. Within this zone, a coastal nation holds jurisdiction over both living and nonliving marine resources. The concept was established through the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
According to international law, within its defined EEZ, a coastal nation possesses:
UNCLOS empowers the coastal state to determine acceptable fishing quotas within its EEZ, emphasizing sustainable management practices. This state can either use the entire quota or allocate surplus to other nations, fostering international cooperation in scientific research through regular information exchange about resource populations.
The territorial sea, often referred to as territorial waters, is the area of sea immediately adjacent to a country's shores, extending up to 12 nautical miles from the coast's baseline. This region falls under the full jurisdiction of the coastal nation.
Within its territorial waters, a country exercises complete sovereignty over:
Resource utilization within the territorial sea is strictly reserved for the coastal nation. However, all countries maintain the right of innocent passage through another nation's territorial sea, provided such passage does not threaten the coastal country's security. Unlike maritime passage, there is no equivalent right for airspace passage.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
Answer: The primary purpose of an EEZ is to provide coastal nations with rights over the exploration and management of marine resources within a designated area, promoting sustainable practices and conservation efforts.
Q2. How far does an Exclusive Economic Zone typically extend?
Answer: An Exclusive Economic Zone typically extends up to 200 nautical miles from a nation's baseline, granting the coastal state jurisdiction over marine resources.
Q3. What rights do countries have in their territorial sea?
Answer: In their territorial sea, countries exercise full sovereignty over the airspace, seabed, and subsoil, allowing them to legislate on navigation safety and environmental issues.
Q4. How is sustainable fishing managed in an EEZ?
Answer: Sustainable fishing in an EEZ is managed by setting fishing quotas based on scientific assessments to ensure that fish populations remain healthy and viable for future generations.
Q5. Can foreign vessels fish in another country's EEZ?
Answer: Foreign vessels can fish in another country's EEZ only if permitted by the coastal state, typically under conditions that ensure sustainable practices and conservation.
Question 1: What is the maximum extent of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
A) 150 nautical miles
B) 200 nautical miles
C) 250 nautical miles
D) 300 nautical miles
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which convention established the framework for EEZs?
A) Geneva Convention
B) UNCLOS
C) Kyoto Protocol
D) Paris Agreement
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the primary legal document governing maritime rights?
A) United Nations Charter
B) UNCLOS
C) Maritime Law Code
D) International Waters Treaty
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How many nautical miles does a territorial sea extend?
A) 6 nautical miles
B) 12 nautical miles
C) 18 nautical miles
D) 24 nautical miles
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a right of the coastal nation within its EEZ?
A) Resource exploitation
B) Fishing quotas
C) Full sovereignty over airspace
D) Military enforcement
Correct Answer: D
Kutos : AI Assistant!
