Law on International Maritimes Boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)

Maritime boundaries are lines that are used to delimit the territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and continental shelves of countries. The concept of maritime boundaries is established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was adopted in 1982.

Under UNCLOS, coastal states have sovereignty over the waters within 12 nautical miles (22.2 kilometers) from the baseline of their coast, known as the territorial sea. Within this area, coastal states have the right to regulate and control all activities, including the passage of ships. 

Beyond the territorial sea, coastal states also have the right to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that extends up to 200 nautical miles (370.4 kilometers) from the baseline of their coast. Within this zone, coastal states have the exclusive right to explore, exploit, conserve and manage the natural resources, both living and non-living, in the waters, on the seabed, in the subsoil, and on the continental shelf, including fisheries, oil and gas, minerals and other resources. Coastal states also have the right to regulate the passage of ships through the zone.

The concept of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a relatively new concept in international maritime law. The EEZ does not give a coastal state the right to regulate navigation within the zone, but it does give them the right to regulate activities related to the exploration and exploitation of resources, such as drilling for oil and gas. In addition, coastal states have the right to protect and preserve the marine environment within their EEZ.

It is important to note that the EEZ does not affect the rights of other states to navigate, fly over or lay submarine cables or pipelines in the zone, as long as it is done in accordance with international law.

Maritime boundaries can be complex and can involve disputes between countries. In such cases, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are often used to resolve disputes over maritime boundaries.