ABSTRACT
The preamble to the Official Declaration of 23 June 1947 sets forth the principles that led to President Gabriel Gonzalez Videla's decision to proclaim national sovereignty over the continental shelf and waters adjacent to the coast of Chile. The historical events marked the beginning of a long process by which the institution known as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been elaborated – an institution with roots in Latin America, but one that has come to be recognized by the international community. Ecuadorian firms were primarily interested in restricting access to the tuna fishery, thus preventing stiff competition from United States fishermen. The creation of an EEZ therefore reflects a most advantageous integration of the private interests of business with the national interest–the latter represented by public institutions–in the design of a maritime policy that is of great importance for the country and region.
