The term territorial seas refers to the area of the ocean that extends three miles from a country's coastline. This zone is measured from the line of ordinary low water, which is the average level of the sea at low tide. Territorial seas are significant because they define the waters where a country has sovereignty, allowing it to regulate activities such as fishing, shipping, and resource extraction.
Territorial seas are primarily relevant in international law, maritime law, and environmental law. They determine a nation's rights over marine resources and navigation. Legal practitioners may encounter this term in cases involving:
Users can manage related legal matters using templates from US Legal Forms, which provide guidance on compliance and documentation.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples of how territorial seas function in practice:
One of the primary legal references for territorial seas in the United States is:
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Notes |
|---|---|
| California | Regulates fishing and environmental protections within its territorial seas. |
| Florida | Has specific laws regarding marine protected areas in its territorial seas. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Contiguous Zone | A zone extending 12 nautical miles from the baseline. | Allows for enforcement of laws related to customs, immigration, and pollution, beyond the territorial sea. |
| Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) | Extends 200 nautical miles from the baseline. | Gives countries rights to resources but does not confer full sovereignty like territorial seas. |
If you are involved in activities related to territorial seas, consider the following steps:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Coast | Three miles |
| Legal Authority | Country's sovereignty |
| Related Areas | Fishing, shipping, environmental regulation |
Territorial seas are under a country's jurisdiction, while international waters are not owned by any nation and are open to all.