What is the region extending beyond the 12-mile territorial sea where nations claim jurisdiction over resources?

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is the correct answer because it refers to a specific area extending from the baseline of a coastal state, typically up to 200 nautical miles, where that state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources. This includes fishing, drilling, and other economic activities, along with jurisdiction over the resources found in the water column and seabed.

Countries have sovereignty over these resources within their EEZs, which allows them to manage economic activities in these waters, while still being required to adhere to international law regarding the environmental protection of the marine ecosystem. The EEZ is recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, distinguishing it from areas such as the continental shelf, which pertains to the seabed and subsoil resources, and the high seas, where no single nation has jurisdictional control. The concept of a protected marine area does not apply to the control over resources in the same way as the EEZ.