Comparative discussion between Territorial Sea & EEZ:
1/ The distance of Territorial Sea is 12 nautical miles and Exclusive Economic Zone 200 nautical mile.
2/ Foreign ships cannot enter into the territorial sea without permission, let alone the exploration and exploitation. On the other hand, no need to ask permission for foreign ships to enter the EEZ, but they are not allowed to explore and exploit the natural resources.
3/ Territorial Sea - 12NM (24,000 yds.) from the baseline, this is where the state has full authority, although in most cases they cannot prohibit passage.
On the other hand EEZ has the Sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving and managing natural resources, whether living and nonliving, of the seabed and subsoil and the waters and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents and winds; Jurisdiction as provided for in international and domestic laws with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures, marine scientific research, and the protection and preservation of the marine environment; and Other rights and duties provided for under international and domestic laws.
4/ Exclusive Economic Zones give countries the exclusive right to develop resources within them and can be used for anything, including offshore wind farms, natural gas and oil extraction and/or access to finishing grounds.
On the other hand, previously, territorial waters, which are defined as extending up to 12 nautical miles (22km) off a country’s coast, had been used as the basis for economic activity.
5/ Subject to this Convention, ships of all States, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. But in EEZ there is no provision of Innocent Passage.
6/ Subject to certain conditions territorial sea can be stopped, Passage of a foreign ship shall be considered to be prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State if in the territorial sea it engages any threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of the coastal State, any fishing activities etc. But there is no provision to make stop of EEZ.
7/ In the territorial sea, submarines and other underwater vehicles are required to navigate on the surface and to show their flag. But not in EEZ.
8/ The coastal State may adopt laws and regulations, in conformity with the provisions of this Convention and other rules of international law, relating to innocent passage through the territorial sea, in respect of all. But not in EEZ, relating to innocent passage, only for other reason.
9/ The coastal State may, where necessary having regard to the safety of navigation, require foreign ships exercising the right of innocent passage through its territorial sea to use such sea lanes and traffic separation schemes as it may designate or prescribe for the regulation of the passage of ships. Buy not in EEZ. They only did the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations and structures; marine scientific research; the protection and preservation of the marine environment.
10/ Land-locked States shall have the right to participate, on an equitable basis, in the exploitation of an appropriate part of the surplus of the living resources of the exclusive economic zones of coastal States of the same sub region or region, taking into account the relevant economic and geographical circumstances of all the States concerned and in conformity with the provisions of this article and of articles 61 and 62 but not in territorial sea.
11/ Geographically disadvantaged States shall have the right to participate, on an equitable basis, in the exploitation of an appropriate part of the surplus of the living resources of the exclusive economic zones of coastal States of the same subregion or region, taking into account the relevant economic and geographical circumstances of all the States concerned and in conformity with the provisions of this article and of articles 61 and 62. But not in territorial sea.
12/ The coastal State may, in the exercise of its sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve and manage the living resources in the exclusive economic zone, take such measures, including boarding, inspection, arrest and judicial proceedings, as may be necessary to as like the territorial sea.
[For your quarries please contact with by phone or email]
Md.Avi Alam
Lecturer
Department of Law
Daffodil International University
Contact:+8801915107496
Email:-avi.law@diu.edu.bd
