Law of the sea

Definition

The Law of the Sea is a body of international law that governs the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. It covers a range of maritime issues, including territorial waters, sea-lanes, and ocean resources.

Related terms

Territorial Waters: The area of sea around a country's coast in which it has exclusive rights over marine resources and activities.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): A sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea over which a state has special rights regarding exploration and use of marine resources.

Maritime Boundary: An agreed-upon division between two adjacent states that determines each country's rights over ocean areas, often related to control over fisheries, mineral rights, or strategic controls