Maritime Boundary Disputes

Maritime boundary disputes occur when countries claim overlapping areas of the ocean, primarily to secure rights over fishing, natural resources, and shipping routes. These disputes often arise due to historical claims, geographical features like islands, or shifting tectonic plates that change maritime limits. International laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, provide frameworks for resolving such conflicts, but disagreements can lead to tensions and, in extreme cases, conflict. Countries may negotiate settlements or seek resolution through international courts to establish clear boundaries and rights.