Marine Resources and EEZs

Marine resources encompass the diverse wealth found in the oceans and seas, including:

  • Living Resources:
    • Fishery Resources: A major source of food for humans, including finfish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
    • Marine Mammals: Whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine mammals.
    • Marine Plants: Seaweed, kelp, and other marine plants, some with potential for food, medicine, and biofuels.
  • Non-Living Resources:
    • Mineral Resources: Oil and natural gas deposits beneath the seabed, as well as minerals like manganese nodules.
    • Energy Resources: Tidal and wave energy, offshore wind power, and ocean thermal energy conversion.
    • Sand and Gravel: Used in construction and other industries.

Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)

  • Definition: An area of the sea extending 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from a country’s coastline.
  • Rights: Within their EEZ, coastal states have:
    • Sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources, including living and non-living resources.
    • Jurisdiction over artificial islands, structures, and installations.
    • **Rights regarding other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as energy production from water, currents, and wind.  

Significance of EEZs

  • Economic Benefits: EEZs provide coastal states with exclusive rights to valuable resources, potentially boosting their economies.
  • Food Security: EEZs support fisheries, providing a crucial source of food for many coastal populations.
  • Energy Security: EEZs can contribute to energy security by enabling the development of offshore energy sources.
  • Environmental Protection: EEZs give coastal states primary responsibility for managing and protecting marine resources within their boundaries.

Challenges and Issues

  • Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices can deplete fish stocks and harm marine ecosystems.
  • Pollution: Marine pollution from land-based sources and maritime activities can degrade marine habitats.
  • Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and resources.
  • Maritime Disputes: Overlapping claims and conflicting interests over EEZs can lead to international disputes.

Sustainable Management

Sustainable management of marine resources within EEZs is crucial for ensuring their long-term availability and ecological integrity. This requires:

  • Scientifically-based fisheries management: Implementing quotas, fishing gear restrictions, and marine protected areas.
  • Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
  • Addressing marine pollution and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
  • Promoting international cooperation and resolving maritime disputes peacefully.

By effectively managing their EEZs, coastal states can harness the benefits of marine resources while ensuring their sustainable use for future generations.

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