Answer to Question 1
Both the territorial sea jurisdiction and the Exclusive Economic Zone established the jurisdiction of coastal nations over the natural resources in their coastal oceans and seafloors. Territorial seas extend 12 miles from shore and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends jurisdiction to 200 nautical miles (the continental shelf). The coastal nation has the right to regulate fisheries, mineral rights, and pollution regulations within the EEZ. In areas where the continental shelf extends beyond 200 nautical miles, EEZs may extend to 350 nautical miles or the end of the continental shelf (as determined by geological sampling). The Law of the Sea Treaty established both territorial seas and EEZs.
Answer to Question 2
Many of these impacts are difficult to document and link to the spill because of the considerable time lag. For example, exposure to even tiny concentrations of the chemicals present in oil can cause harmful biological effects that usually go unnoticed. Scientific studies have shown that fish exposed to PAHs in crude oil exhibited changes in gene expression that are linked to developmental abnormalities, decreased embryo survival, and lower reproductive success that wouldn't be noticed until years later.
