Territorial Sea
/ˌterɪˈtɔːrɪəl siː/
Definitions
- (n.) A belt of coastal waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from a sovereign state's baseline, within which the state exercises sovereignty subject to certain international laws.
The territorial sea grants the coastal state rights to regulate shipping and enforce environmental laws.
Forms
- territorial seas
Commentary
Territorial sea is a fundamental maritime zone in international law defining coastal state sovereignty while balancing navigation rights of other states.
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.