What does EEZ mean?

The exclusive economic zone is a maritime area beyond the territorial sea. It may extend up to 200 nautical miles from the baselines, subject in particular to boundary delimitations with neighbouring states.

What rights does the coastal state have?

The state has sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve and manage natural resources, such as fishery resources. It also exercises certain powers relating to marine scientific research and the protection of the marine environment. This does not mean that it has full sovereignty over this area: other states retain, in particular, freedom of navigation there.

The connection with France

Overseas territories contribute to the extent of France’s maritime areas. The concepts of overseas departments and regions (DROM) and overseas collectivities (COM) help explain this presence across several oceans.