Jurisdiction (Coastal State)

Coastal-state jurisdiction describes the functional rights a state exercises in the EEZ and over the continental shelf under UNCLOS Parts V and VI, short of full territorial sovereignty. In the EEZ, Article 56 grants sovereign rights to explore and exploit living and non-living resources plus jurisdiction over artificial islands and installations, marine scientific research, and protection of the marine environment, extending to 200 nautical miles. Over the continental shelf, Article 77 grants sovereign rights for exploring and exploiting the seabed and subsoil resources, inherent and not dependent on occupation or proclamation. Article 211 lets the coastal state set vessel-source pollution rules conforming to generally accepted international standards.