01/01/2024
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the recognized international standard for determining the maritime boundaries and rights of coastal states, including those pertaining to islands. UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 and entered into force in 1994. It establishes the legal framework for the use and management of the world's oceans and seas as a guiding principle to resolve overlapping disputes in the future and avoid conflicts between neighboring states and countries.
Specifically regarding islands, UNCLOS outlines rules for the determination of the maritime zones around them. The relevant provisions are found in Part II of UNCLOS, which addresses the territorial sea, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The key principles related to islands include:
Baseline: The baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured is determined in accordance with specific rules. For most coastal states, the baseline is the low-water line along the coast. However, for islands, different rules may apply, particularly when the island has its own territorial sea.
Territorial Sea: Islands are entitled to a territorial sea, which is a zone of sovereignty extending up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Islands are also entitled to an EEZ, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline. Within the EEZ, the coastal state has exclusive rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources.
UNCLOS provides a comprehensive framework to address issues related to maritime boundaries, navigation, and the exploitation of marine resources. It has been widely accepted and ratified by a large number of countries, and it serves as the primary international legal instrument governing maritime affairs.