Damon Mcknight
Australia's territorial waters extend beyond its current coastline, which has been shaped by climate change, erosion, and plate tectonics over time. The country's maritime territory is divided into three jurisdictions: coastal waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), with the outer limit of the EEZ reaching up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline. This zone grants Australia jurisdiction over approximately 10 million square kilometres of marine area. The EEZ provides Australia with sovereign rights for resource exploration, energy production, scientific research, and environmental protection. Additionally, Australia has jurisdiction over the ocean and seafloor surrounding its territories, including the Australian Antarctic Territory and various islands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Territorial Waters Baseline (TSB) | The line from which the seaward limits of Australia's Maritime Zones are measured |
| TSB Types | Normal baseline, which corresponds with the low water line along the coast, including the coasts of islands |
| Coastal Waters | A belt of water between the limits of the Australian States and the Northern Territory and a line 3 nautical miles seaward of the TSB |
| Territorial Sea | Extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline |
| Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) | Extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline; Australia has sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources within this zone |
| Extended Continental Shelf | Beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline; Australia has jurisdiction over an additional 2.5 million square kilometers of the continental shelf |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
The EEZ is an important concept in international law, with over 150 countries having signed the UNCLOS as of the 21st century. The establishment of EEZs was intended to mitigate disputes over offshore enterprises, such as fishing and energy production, by awarding sovereign jurisdiction within boundary waters to coastal states. UNCLOS also provides guidelines for the regular exchange of information about resource populations in an EEZ, promoting international scientific cooperation.
Within the EEZ, coastal states have certain rights, including the conservation and management of fisheries and the construction of artificial islands, research stations, and marine preservation. The coastal state determines the acceptable level of fishing quotas in its EEZ, with a focus on sustainable management. It is entitled to fish the entire quota or award the surplus to other countries.
The exact extent of EEZs is often a source of conflict between states, with disputes arising over marine waters and resources. For example, several countries, including Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, have competing claims to the continental shelf near Rockall, an uninhabitable rock located in the EEZ of the United Kingdom.
Australia's EEZ gives it jurisdiction over approximately 10 million square kilometres of marine area. This includes the Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island, the Coral Sea Islands, and Ashmore and Cartier Islands.
Australian Economy: What's Driving the Nation's Wealth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Coastal Waters
The Territorial Sea Baseline (TSB) is a critical reference point for measuring the seaward limits of Australia's Maritime Zones, including the breadth of the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The TSB is determined by the shape of the coastline and typically corresponds with the low water line along the coast, including the coasts of islands.
It's important to distinguish between Coastal Waters and the territorial sea. While Coastal Waters fall under the jurisdiction of individual states and the Northern Territory, the territorial sea is a belt of sovereign water extending up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline of a coastal state. This sovereign territory allows innocent passage for foreign ships while granting the coastal state enforcement powers over its laws.
Beyond the territorial sea lies the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where Australia enjoys sovereign rights for exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources. This zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline and is defined in the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973. In some instances, Australia's continental margin extends even further than the 200-nautical-mile limit of the EEZ.
Converting Euros to Australian Dollars: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Territorial Sea Baseline (TSB)
The term Territorial Sea Baseline (TSB) refers to the line from which the seaward limits of Australia's Maritime Zones are measured. These include the breadth of the territorial sea; the seaward limits of the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and, in some cases, the continental shelf. The TSB is used to determine coastal waters, which extend three nautical miles from the adjusted low-water line and are managed by the state and Northern Territory governments. The territorial sea extends to 12 nautical miles from the TSB, and the EEZ extends 200 nautical miles from the adjusted low-water line.
The TSB may vary depending on the shape of the coastline in a given locality. The normal baseline corresponds with the low-water line along the coast, including the coasts of islands. In localities where the coastline is deeply indented or cut into, or if there is a fringe of islands along the coast in its immediate vicinity, the method of straight baselines joining appropriate points may be employed in drawing the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Straight baselines shall not be drawn to and from low-tide elevations unless lighthouses or similar installations which are permanently above sea level have been built on them.
The outer limit of the EEZ cannot exceed 200 metres from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. In the EEZ, Australia has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing all natural resources of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil. Jurisdiction also extends to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures, marine scientific research, and the protection and preservation of the marine environment, among other rights and duties.
The Continental Shelf is the area of the seabed and subsoil that extends beyond the territorial sea to a distance of 200 metres from the territorial sea baseline and beyond that distance to the outer edge of the continental margin as defined in Article 76 of the Convention. In 2008, the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf confirmed the location of the outer limit of Australia's continental shelf in nine distinct marine regions, giving Australia jurisdiction over an additional 2.5 million square kilometres of the continental shelf that extends beyond 200 nautical miles from its TSB.
Australian-Made Furniture: Is Fantastic Furniture Australian?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
International agreements and conventions
Australia's marine territory is divided into three jurisdictions, reflecting the role of the state, the Northern Territory, and Australian governments, as well as international agreements and conventions. These jurisdictions are:
Coastal Waters
These waters extend up to 3 nautical miles from the adjusted low-water line and are managed by the state and Northern Territory governments. The Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980, Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980, Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Powers) Act 1980, and the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980, which came into force in 1982 and 1983, define the Offshore Constitutional Settlement (OCS). The TSB used for determining coastal waters does not include low tide elevations more than 3 meters from the coastline or islands.
Territorial Sea
The territorial sea extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline of a coastal state. It includes the airspace above and the seabed below. While this area is considered sovereign territory, foreign ships (military and civilian) are allowed innocent passage. Australia's territorial sea baseline (TSB) is the line from which the seaward limits of its maritime zones are measured.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline. Australia has sovereign rights within this zone for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources. This includes the production of energy from water, currents, and wind, as well as the protection and preservation of the marine environment. The Australian EEZ is defined in the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973 and its subsequent amendments.
Extended Continental Shelf
Beyond 200 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline lies the extended continental shelf, proclaimed by Australia in 2012 following recommendations from the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. This gives Australia jurisdiction over an additional 2.5 million square kilometers of continental shelf. The outer limit of the continental shelf is defined in Article 76 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Australia is a signatory to UNCLOS, which is an international agreement developed to regulate ocean space. UNCLOS allows Australia jurisdiction over the ocean and seafloor surrounding its territories, which include the Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and others. Australia participated in the United Nations conferences on the Law of the Sea and became a party to UNCLOS in 1994.
Stream Game of Thrones in Australia Without Paying
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Continental Shelf
The territorial sea baseline (TSB) is the line from which the seaward limits of Australia's maritime zones are measured. The baseline corresponds with the low water line along the coast, including the coasts of islands. The territorial sea extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
The EEZ gives Australia sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing all natural resources of the waters and the seabed. This includes the production of energy from water, currents, and wind, as well as the protection and preservation of the marine environment. Australia's EEZ is defined in the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973 and subsequent amendments.
In 2008, the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf adopted recommendations that confirmed the outer limit of Australia's continental shelf in nine distinct marine regions. This decision gave Australia jurisdiction over an additional 2.5 million square kilometres of the continental shelf beyond the 200-nautical-mile limit.
The extended continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles was proclaimed by Australia in 2012 following the recommendations of the United Nations Commission. The seabed and non-living resources of the shelf are under the jurisdiction of the Australian government, while the water column and its resources are not.
Shipping Australian Products to Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia's territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline.
The territorial sea baseline (TSB) is the line from which the seaward limits of Australia's Maritime Zones are measured. The normal baseline corresponds with the low water line along the coast, including the coasts of islands.
Beyond the territorial sea is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline. In the EEZ, Australia has sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources.
Yes, in 2012 Australia proclaimed its extended continental shelf, which extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline. This gives Australia jurisdiction over an additional 2.5 million square kilometres of the continental shelf.
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![2 Pack - World Map Poster & USA Map Chart [Tan/Color] (LAMINATED, 18” x 29”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1aLNThapcS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
