The marine boundaries which are depicted on the map represent the approximate location of 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zones (EEZ) authorized by the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.  Most island nations in the Pacific have formally claimed such zones or, in a few cases, 200-nautical mile exclusive fishing zones.  Consistent with the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, island-nations control the use and conservation of all resources within their EEZ’s.  In those cases where less than 200-nautical miles separate island-nations, some mid-line marine boundaries have been formally agreed to and others have not.  Thus, the marine boundaries shown on this map are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily have legal standing at the present time.  (January 1997)