To what distance does the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extend from the Territorial Sea baseline?

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends 200 nautical miles from the baseline of the territorial sea. This zone is established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants coastal states special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including fisheries and mineral resources, within this area.

In practical terms, the EEZ allows a state to have jurisdiction over natural resources such as fish stocks, oil, and gas reserves, while other states maintain the right to free navigation and overflight. The extension to 200 nautical miles is significant because it provides a larger area for resource management compared to the territorial sea, which typically extends only 12 nautical miles from the baseline.

Understanding the boundaries of the EEZ is crucial for maritime governance, conservation, and sustainable use of ocean resources, which is why this specific distance is established in international law.