International Waters

International waters, also known as the high seas, refer to all ocean areas beyond a country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), typically beyond 200 nautical miles from its coast. These waters are not owned by any single nation and are open to all countries for purposes like navigation, fishing, and scientific research. While international treaties, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), regulate activities to ensure sustainable use and prevent conflicts, no single nation has sovereignty over these areas. They are considered a global commons, managed collectively for the benefit of all humanity.