Who Controls the Ocean?

The control of the ocean is not held by a single entity; it's a complex system involving international agreement and national jurisdiction.

Based on established maritime law, the vast majority of the seas and oceans are considered a 'global commons'. This unique designation means they essentially belong to everyone and simultaneously to no one. However, coastal countries have the right to claim specific areas adjacent to their shores.

The Ocean as a 'Global Commons'

The concept of the ocean as a global commons applies primarily to the high seas – areas beyond national jurisdiction. As stated in the reference, this means these waters are a shared resource for all humanity.

• Shared Resource: The high seas are open to all nations for various lawful uses, such as navigation, overflight, fishing, and scientific research.
• No Single Owner: No country or entity can claim sovereignty over the high seas.

Coastal State Control: Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)

While the high seas are a global commons, countries exercise significant control over waters closer to their coastlines through Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). According to the reference, countries have the right to claim EEZs extending up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines.

Within their EEZs, coastal states have specific sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil.

Here's what control within an EEZ typically entails:

• Resource Rights:
  • Managing fisheries and harvesting marine life.
  • Exploring and exploiting mineral resources (like oil and gas) on the seabed and subsoil.
  • Utilizing other economic resources like energy production from water, currents, and winds.
• Jurisdiction: Coastal states have jurisdiction regarding:
  • The establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures.
  • Marine scientific research.
  • The protection and preservation of the marine environment.

Comparison:

This dual system, balancing the concept of a global commons with national EEZs, defines who controls specific aspects and areas of the world's oceans.

For more details on maritime law and international waters, you can refer to: The UN High Seas Treaty | Maritime Law & International Waters