What is an EEZ? Lessons from OceanX's Palau Expedition

What Is an Exclusive Economic Zone, and why does it matter? 

An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a maritime area extending 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline. Within this zone, a nation has special rights to manage, use, and protect marine resources, including fisheries, energy resources, and ecosystems. 

Covering roughly one-third of the world's ocean, EEZs are some of the most important areas for ocean stewardship. Because countries have jurisdiction within their EEZs, they can establish marine protected areas, regulate fishing activities, and implement policies that help conserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable economic use. 

As a result, EEZs give nations a unique opportunity to shape the future health of marine ecosystems. When managed effectively, protected areas within EEZs can preserve critical habitats, support sustainable fisheries, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and safeguard marine life for future generations. 

As countries around the world expand ocean protection efforts, understanding the impact of these conservation measures becomes increasingly important. 

Palau: A Global Leader in Ocean Protection 

Palau has become a model for marine conservation through its commitment to protecting its ocean resources. In 2020, the country established the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, safeguarding approximately 80% of its national waters from extractive activities. 

This bold approach provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study what long-term protection looks like in practice, and how these protected areas impact bordering regions. 

Studying Protection in Action 

A central goal of OceanX's recent expedition to Palau was to better understand the ecosystems found within Palau’s EEZ.  

Using advanced exploration technologies, scientists investigated and cataloged the biodiversity from shallow waters to the deep-sea throughout Palau's waters. By documenting species, mapping habitats, and collecting environmental data, researchers are building a clearer picture of how protected marine ecosystems function and thrive. 

These observations help answer important questions: 

• How does protection influence biodiversity? 

• How do habitats benefit from conservation measures? 

• What can healthy, protected ecosystems teach us about long-term ocean stewardship? 

OceanX's Commitment to Exploration and Science 

OceanX's expedition to Palau is part of a broader mission to explore the ocean and advance scientific understanding of the systems that sustain life on Earth. 

By partnering with local experts, researchers, and institutions, OceanX is helping generate new knowledge about protected marine ecosystems and sharing those discoveries through science, storytelling, and education.  

Through exploration, we can better understand what makes ocean protection successful and help inform the decisions that will shape the future of our ocean.