Rights, Obligations, Prohibitions: A Practical Guide to Understanding Judicial Decisions on Coastal State Jurisdiction over Living Resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone

Abstract

Abstract Given the ambiguous, open-ended and highly qualified nature of the legal framework governing the coastal State’s regulation of living resources in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), there is an important role for international courts and tribunals in reviewing the innovations and interpretations offered by coastal States, and clarifying the meaning of relevant provisions. In light of the significant body of jurisprudence that is now available in this area, this article seeks to provide some practical guidance regarding the nature and extent of coastal State jurisdiction over living resources in the EEZ, by reference to the approaches taken by international courts and tribunals.