Seabed and Ocean Floor Rights

Seabed and ocean floor rights refer to the legal permissions and ownership associated with the land beneath the oceans. These rights determine who can explore and utilize resources like minerals, oil, and gas found on the seabed. Generally, countries have jurisdiction over the ocean floor extending 12 nautical miles from their coastlines. Beyond that, international laws, like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, manage rights and usage. Proper management is essential to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and navigation freedoms.