The article examines the different attitudes taken by the Mediterranean states in implementing their 200-nautical-miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ). After the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was signed in 1982, some Mediterranean costal states unilaterally extended their jurisdiction over sea areas establishin a "virtual" EEZ adjacent to the territorial sea. Recently, other states have been extending theri jurisdiction by establishing fisheries zones, Special Protected Areas, or both. These zones represent a partial implemention of the EEZ, as the Mediterranean states are only exercising certain powers provided by the LOS Convention regardint the environment. .