During a speech opening Chile\u27s 1994 Month of the Sea celebration, President Edurado Frei announced initiatives to enhance Chile\u27s presence on the high seas and to protect marine resources within its national jurisdiction. In so doing, he echoed geopolitical thought of Chilean maritime theorist dating from the 1600s. The initatives stemmed in part from disputed over free fishing and navigation on the high seas, wherein, Frei argued, certain maritime powers were disregarding weaker coastal states\u27 interests
