Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty established in 1982 that governs the use of the world's oceans and their resources. It sets rules for navigation, territorial waters, marine resource management, and environmental protection. Countries have rights over their adjacent seas, typically extending 12 nautical miles from their coasts, and special economic zones up to 200 nautical miles, where they can exploit resources. UNCLOS aims to balance the rights of nations with the need to protect the marine environment and ensure peace and cooperation on the seas.