Coastal state control and the global ocean harvest

The evolution of coastal state extensions of maritime jurisdiction over adjacent living marine resources is reviewed to the present. Subsequently, a hypothetical relationship between the harvest and export of those resources and states' level of economic development is explored and tested over the 1970-1985 period. Preextension and post-extension catch data for 87 countries were compared relative to average GDP/capita/year. Special geographic circumstances of the new zones of jurisdiction--"zone-locking," continental shelf width, and the presence or absence of highly biologically productive water--were taken into account. The results indicate that, while most states harvested more after extension than before, wealthier countries (with GDP/capita/year greater than $3,000) coped better with negative geographic situations, but exports of high value species helped many developing states. Apparent effects of extended jurisdiction on the global harvest and potential future sources of conflict are also examined.