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How does the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea define an exclusive economic zone?

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Physical map of the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Yellow Sea, showing surrounding countries, major cities, and maritime boundaries. The map highlights sea depths with color shading, features such as the Macclesfield Bank and Philippine Trench, and includes a locator inset for regional context.
South China Sea

Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is an area of the ocean extending up to 200 nautical miles (370 km) from a country’s coast.12

Within this zone, the coastal state holds sovereign rights regarding the exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources, including:

  • Fisheries: The coastal state determines sustainable fishing quotas and manages marine life.12
  • Energy Production: The state has the right to produce energy from water, wind, and other sources.12
  • Infrastructure: The state may construct and regulate artificial islands, research stations, and other installations.12
  • Scientific Research: The state has the authority to regulate scientific research conducted by foreign vessels.12

While the coastal state maintains these economic and jurisdictional rights, foreign vessels and aircraft are generally entitled to move freely through and over the zone, provided they do not engage in activities reserved for the coastal state, such as unauthorized fishing or research. Where the EEZs of neighboring countries overlap, UNCLOS requires that boundaries be established by agreement to achieve an equitable solution.12