Explanatory Notes

Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009

2009 CHAPTER 23

12th November 2009

Summary and Background

Part 2: Exclusive Economic Zone, Uk Marine Area and Welsh Zone

Section 41: Exclusive economic zone

132.This section allows for the declaration of an Exclusive Economic Zone, and for the United Kingdom to assert its rights and assume its obligations in accordance with Part V of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Such a declaration will remove inconsistencies in the current maritime zones claimed by the United Kingdom. It will replace the existing zones – namely the areas within British fishery limits, the Renewable Energy Zone, the Pollution Zone, and the Gas Importation and Storage Zone – with one Exclusive Economic Zone. This will simplify the management of the United Kingdom’s offshore maritime areas and bring the United Kingdom into line with accepted international good practice.