Coastal State

A coastal state is a country that has a coastline along an ocean, sea, or other large body of water. These states possess rights over the waters, seabed, and resources within a certain distance from their shores, known as their territorial sea. Typically, this extends up to 12 nautical miles from the coast. Coastal states manage activities like fishing, shipping, and drilling in these areas, and they must also consider environmental protection. The concept is important for international law, as it balances the interests of coastal nations with the rights of other states in the high seas.