Petersburg Pilot -

April 6, 1983 – In response to requests from Congressman Don Young and others concerned about the development of ocean resources, president Reagan signed a proclamation establishing an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 miles from the shores of the United States and its overseas possessions. The presidential proclamation affirms U.S. sovereign rights over living and non-living marine resources (except for highly migratory tuna).

Congressman Young had sought a presidential proclamation of this nature to provide greater opportunities for the fishing industry and for seabed mining.

“For...