The EEZ is an area beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea, not extending beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline of the territorial sea. The origin of the concept of the EEZ may go back to the practice of the Latin American States after World War II. Originally the figure of 200 nautical miles appeared in 1947, when Chile (23 June 1947) and Peru (1 August 1947) claimed such an extent for the exercise of full sovereignty. The figure of 200 nautical miles relied on scientific facts: it would enable the Andean States to reach the Peruvian and the Humboldt Currents, which were particularly rich in living species.
.. what is the meaning of EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE (treaties and customary international law), customary law, Declaration of Santo Domingo, EEZ, exclusive economic zone, maritime zone, Montevideo Declaration, patrimonial sea, sovereignty, UNCLOS I, UNCLOS II, UNCLOS III