Coastal Waters: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Legal Definition

Q: How do coastal waters differ from inland waters?

Coastal waters are marine environments, while inland waters refer to lakes and rivers that are not influenced by the ocean.

Q: What laws govern coastal waters?

Key laws include federal statutes like 33 USCS 2601 and regulations related to environmental protection and resource management.

Definition & Meaning

The term coastal waters refers to specific bodies of water that are significant to the United States. These include:

The territorial sea, which extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline of the U.S. coastline.
The Great Lakes and their connecting waters, which are vital for commerce and recreation.
The marine and estuarine waters of the U.S. that reach the head of tidal influence, where saltwater meets freshwater.
The Exclusive Economic Zone, established by Presidential Proclamation Number 5030 in 1983, which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast and allows the U.S. exclusive rights to marine resources.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

Coastal waters are relevant in various legal contexts, including environmental law, maritime law, and resource management. Understanding this term is crucial for:

Regulating fishing and marine resource extraction.
Implementing environmental protections for coastal ecosystems.
Establishing jurisdiction for maritime disputes.

Users can manage related legal matters through forms and templates available on US Legal Forms, which are designed by experienced attorneys.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are a couple of examples related to coastal waters:

A fishing company must adhere to regulations governing catch limits in the territorial sea.
A developer seeking to build near the Great Lakes must comply with environmental assessments to protect the local ecosystem. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

Key laws related to coastal waters include:

33 USCS § 2601 - Defines coastal waters and outlines jurisdiction.
Presidential Proclamation Number 5030 - Establishes the Exclusive Economic Zone.

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State	Coastal Waters Definition
California	Includes specific protections for marine life in coastal waters.
Florida	Regulations focus on tourism and environmental conservation in coastal areas.
Texas	Emphasizes oil and gas exploration rights in coastal waters.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Differences
Territorial Sea	Waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline.	Specific to U.S. sovereignty and jurisdiction.
Exclusive Economic Zone	Area extending 200 nautical miles from the coast.	Focuses on economic rights rather than sovereignty.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in activities related to coastal waters, consider the following steps:

Research applicable regulations in your state and federal laws.
Utilize US Legal Forms to find templates for permits or compliance documents.
If your situation is complex, seek assistance from a legal professional.

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Quick facts

Jurisdiction: Federal and state authorities.
Typical fees: Varies by state and type of permit.
Possible penalties: Fines for non-compliance with regulations.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What are coastal waters?

Coastal waters refer to the territorial sea, the Great Lakes, estuarine waters, and the Exclusive Economic Zone of the U.S.