Marine Zones

Marine zones are juridical and ecological divisions of the ocean: territorial seas, contiguous zones, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), high seas, marine protected areas, shipping lanes, fisheries management areas, and ecological regions like coral-reef provinces. Legal zones derive from international law (e.g., UNCLOS) and national legislation, while ecological zones reflect biogeographic patterns. Mapping marine zones requires careful handling of baselines, islands, and median lines, as well as treaty updates. Zones can overlap—an MPA inside an EEZ, or shipping lanes through multiple jurisdictions—so metadata on authority and hierarchy are essential. Accurate maritime boundaries influence resource rights, conservation, enforcement, and conflict prevention. Provide explicit methods, QA notes, and version history so others can reuse the layer responsibly. Provide explicit methods, QA notes, and version history so others can reuse the layer responsibly. Provide clear usage notes, QA artifacts, and version history to aid reuse and review. Provide clear usage notes, QA artifacts, and version history to aid reuse and review. Provide clear usage notes, QA artifacts, and version history to aid reuse and review.