Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

The Exclusive Economic Zone is the belt extending to 200 nautical miles from the territorial-sea baseline in which a coastal state holds sovereign rights over living and non-living resources, energy from water and wind, and jurisdiction over artificial islands, marine science, and environmental protection (UNCLOS Article 56). It is not territorial sea: other states keep high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight. EEZ enforcement against illegal fishing and resource theft is a core constabulary mission for coast guards and offshore patrol vessels.