Over in the Russian Far East, Moscow had a bit of a problem. Despite pretty much encircling the Sea of Okhotsk, right in the middle sat an area of open ocean outside its exclusive economic zone or EEZ. About 35 miles (55 kilometers) wide and 300 miles (480 kilometers) long, it was dubbed the “Peanut Hole” because of its oblong shape. And, as this area was outside Russia’s EEZ, any nation could technically fish here unregulated, which is exactly what many began to do back in 1991. Fleets from China, Japan, South Korea, and even countries as far away as Poland and Ukraine, made their way to the Peanut Hole. Known for its rich oceanic fisheries, overexploitation here, resulted in fish stocks plummeting throughout the Sea of Okhotsk.The Peanut Hole wasn’t exactly unique, though. Over in the Bering Sea sat another bit of open ocean, roughly the size of New York, outside the EEZs of Russia and the United States. Known as the Donut Hole, unchecked overfishing had already left its mark. And, so Russia opted to appeal to the United Nations to declare the Peanut Hole as part of its continental shelf.#history #russia #geography #ghostcountries #geopoliticsCHAPTERS00:00 Intro + Sea of Okhotsk02:28 What is an Exclusive Economic Zone? 03:36 A Real Life Tragedy of the Commons in the Peanut Hole05:43 Peanut Hole Agreement06:39 Donut Hole in the Bering Sea07:40 United Nations Investigates Russian Claims