Law of Georgia on Maritime Space (No. 1761-IS of 1998)

This Law defines the legal status of the internal waters, territorial sea (waters), contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Georgia in the Black Sea in accordance with the universally recognised principles and rules of international law. The purpose of the Law is to protect the rights, interests, territorial integrity, sovereignty and security of Georgia within the maritime space of Georgia; use the Black Sea for peaceful purposes, improve cooperation with the Black Sea states and other foreign states; facilitate navigation and ensure its safety; protect the Black Sea environment and maintain the ecological balance; and promote scientific research and rationally use the resources of the Black Sea. The Law provides that the internal waters and territorial sea of Georgia, the air space above them, and their bed and subsoil shall be part of the territory of Georgia over which it exercises sovereignty. With a view to using and preserving natural resources, and to protecting economic and environmental interests, Georgia shall exercise its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf according to the principles and rules of international law, the legislation of Georgia and the treaties to which Georgia is a party.