EEZ Loss: Government's Claims on Authority Contradicted by Past Practices

Malé, Maldives - Amidst the ongoing dispute over the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the government has claimed that Maldives did not exercise any authority beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) decision. However, historical evidence suggests otherwise.

Before the ITLOS decision, which resulted in the Maldives losing 45,331 square kilometers of its EEZ to Mauritius, foreign fishing vessels wishing to cross the Maldivian EEZ had to obtain permission from the Maldivian government. Records show that vessels traveling as far as 100 nautical miles had requested permission, indicating that Maldives exercised control over a more extensive area than the government currently claims.

Contrary to the government's assertions, the Maldives Maritime Territory Law clearly states that the country has a 200 nautical mile EEZ in all areas. According to the law, the Maldives can only relinquish part of this territory by entering into an agreement with another state. There is no such agreement regarding the southern EEZ.

The discrepancy between the government's claims and past practices raises concerns over the Maldivian government's transparency and honesty in handling the EEZ dispute. As the nation grapples with the loss of a significant portion of its maritime territory, it is crucial for the government to provide accurate information and uphold the nation's interests.