Maritime zones refer to specific areas of the ocean that are defined by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These zones include the territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the high seas. Each zone has different rights and responsibilities for coastal states and other nations. The territorial sea extends up to 12 nautical miles from a country's coastline, where the state has sovereignty. Beyond this, the exclusive economic zone stretches up to 200 nautical miles, allowing the coastal state exclusive rights to explore and exploit marine resources.