The exclusive economic zone debates in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and fisheries

Year 2008, Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 77 - 83, 01.08.2008

Bayram Öztürk And Sertaç Hami Başeren Bayram Öztürk

Abstract

Abstract Delimitation and proclamations of the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea is important issue for several reasons for the bordering nations. The Mediterranean Sea is unique case due to geographical characteristics and some conflicts already existed on maritime delimitations among some nations. It’s a matter of fact that; all States will have to reach agreement, regarding proclamations of the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Equitable and reasonable principals and solutions are needed for the delimitation of maritime areas. Turkey has 1577 km long coastline in the Mediterranean Sea starting from Fethiye to Samandag border up to Syria. 1851 fishing boats fishing in the territorial waters and high sea areas.Turkey could not accepted de facto EEZ proclamations due to damage vital economical interests in the eastern Mediterranean Sea as limiting fishing rights in the high seas. Besides, the mineral and oil resources in the high seas are also substantial matter. Turkey already has conduct a scientific programme protection of the eastern Mediterranean in term of prevention of the marine pollution, invasive species, monitoring of the impacts of the climate change to the marine biodiversity, cetaceans protection, establishing high sea marine protected areas, IIU fisheries and others. International cooperation, compromise, consensus and concerted action are needed for the sustainable exploitation of the living resources and protection of the vulnerable Mediterranean environment. Probable Turkish EEZ borders in Eastern Mediterranean region are presented on a map.

Keywords

Key words: Eastern Mediterranean Sea, exclusive economic zone, living resources managements, high seas.

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