GS 3 – Economy
An EEZ is a sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), extending 200 nautical miles (370 km) from a country’s baseline (coast).
- Sovereign Rights:
- Rights over exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources (living and non-living).
- Includes rights over water, seabed, and subsoil resources.
- Jurisdiction over marine scientific research and environmental protection.
- Distinction:
- Greater than Territorial Sea (12 nautical miles) where a state has full sovereignty.
- In EEZ, other states enjoy freedom of navigation, overflight, and laying submarine cables.
- India’s EEZ:
- Covers about 2.37 million sq. km, almost equal to India’s land area.
- Rich in fisheries, hydrocarbons, and mineral resources.
- Significance:
- Enhances a nation’s strategic, economic, and energy security.
- Key for Blue Economy initiatives.