During 1994 Australia took two significant actions in relation to its
maritime claims. On 1 August it declared a 200 nautical mile exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) and on 5 October it ratified the UNCLOS. The decl
aration of the EEZ was the final stage in a lengthy process which refl
ects the impact of federalism and international developments in the ma
nagement of Australia's offshore areas, This article examines the back
ground to these recent developments and considers the implications of
these maritime claims on Australian management of its offshore areas.
In particular, the article reviews the constitutional, legal and polit
ical elements which have influenced Australia's particular approach to
wards its offshore areas.