National legislation on ocean authority zones and the contemporary law of the sea

Abstract

Unilateral claims to 200‐nautical‐mile zones of varying forms of national jurisdiction continue to proliferate as the LOS negotiations continue. Legislation from thirty‐nine nations establishing exclusive economic zones is examined. Discussion and comparison include the scope of authority claimed, the range in activities affected, the exclusiveness of authority asserted, the extent of recognition of the interests and rights of other states, and the geographic extent of individual claims. The primary focus is upon comparing provisions that concern or directly relate to navigation in the zone. After brief discussion of the draft LOS treaty provisions concerning access to the zone for transportation and communication, the disparity between these provisions and some national measures is noted.