Coastal State

/ˈkoʊ.stəl steɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A sovereign state with jurisdiction over coastal waters, including territorial seas and adjacent maritime zones under international law.
    The coastal state has the authority to regulate fishing activities within its territorial waters.

Forms

  • coastal state
  • coastal states

Commentary

The term typically arises in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to denote a state exercising rights and jurisdiction over adjacent marine areas.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app