What defines the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is defined as a maritime zone that extends up to 200 nautical miles from a nation's coastline. Within this zone, a coastal state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including fish stocks and underwater mineral resources. It also includes the authority to regulate any economic activities such as fishing, mining, and energy generation.

This provision allows the coastal state to have exclusive access to the resources in the water column and on or beneath the seabed, while still recognizing the freedom of navigation for other states. The EEZ is a critical aspect of international maritime law, as established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Other distances mentioned, such as 50, 100, or 300 nautical miles from the shoreline, do not accurately reflect the internationally recognized limit for an Exclusive Economic Zone.