Final answer:
In international waters, no single state has control over the resources; this is governed by international law and agreements like UNCLOS, which define state rights and obligations. States cooperate to manage these resources sustainably.
Step-by-step explanation:
In international waters, which are areas beyond the national jurisdiction of any state, no single state has control over the resources. The concept is related to the principle of state sovereignty, which implies that states have the right to govern themselves and make policies in their own interest. This autonomy, however, requires collaboration amongst nations when managing resources that fall outside any one nation's borders, like the fish in the sea, for sustainability and collective benefit.
International law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), plays an essential role in establishing rights and obligations regarding the use of international waters. UNCLOS defines the limits of national jurisdictions and the rights to fishing, shipping, and the protection of marine environment.
State rights to set laws and regulate the passage of ships in international waters is recognized under international law, but this is done through agreements such as treaties, which countries voluntarily enter into. Thus, while states may exercise certain rights in international waters, such as freedom of navigation, they must do so in accordance with international agreements and respect the rights of other nations.