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    Question

    Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the

    Sea (UNCLOS), coastal states are granted sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources within a specific maritime boundary known as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). What is the maximum extent of the EEZ from the baseline, as prescribed by UNCLOS?
    A 12 nautical miles Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B 24 nautical miles Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C 100 nautical miles Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D 200 nautical miles Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E 350 nautical miles Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    According to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), a coastal state has the right to establish an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending up to 200 nautical miles (Nm) from its baseline (usually the low-water line along the coast). Within this zone: The coastal state has exclusive rights for the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind. However, the waters beyond the territorial sea (12 Nm) and up to 200 Nm remain international waters in terms of navigation and overflight rights for other states. 12 Nm – Refers to the Territorial Sea, where a state exercises full sovereignty. 24 Nm – Refers to the Contiguous Zone, where a state can enforce laws relating to customs, immigration, and pollution. 100 Nm – Not a standard maritime boundary under UNCLOS. 350 Nm – This is the outer limit of the Continental Shelf if a country can prove that its continental margin extends beyond 200 Nm. It applies only under special geological conditions, not as a standard EEZ limit.

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