What is the jurisdictional authority of the Exclusive Economic Zone primarily concerned with?

The jurisdictional authority of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is primarily concerned with the management and conservation of natural resources located within the 200-mile band extending from a coastal state's baseline. Within this zone, the coastal nation has special rights over the exploration and use of marine resources, such as fish, oil, gas, and other minerals found on or beneath the seabed, as well as the water column above. This authority allows the country to regulate economic activities such as fishing and resource extraction while ensuring sustainable management of these resources. The EEZ represents a significant expansion of national jurisdiction beyond traditional territorial waters, emphasizing the importance of a nation’s rights to exploit and manage resources that are critical for its economic development.

In contrast, options mentioning navigational rights, environmental protections, and international fishing regulations pertain to aspects of maritime law but are secondary to the primary focus of the EEZ, which is the exploitation of natural resources. The EEZ mainly empowers the coastal state regarding economic activities rather than just concerns about navigation or environmental protections.