Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)

The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) refers to the submerged land that lies beyond the territorial waters of a country, typically extending from the coastline to about 200 nautical miles offshore. In the U.S., this area is managed by the federal government, specifically the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The OCS is significant for natural resources, particularly oil and gas reserves, as well as renewable energy potential, like wind power. Activities on the OCS are regulated to balance economic interests with environmental protection and the rights of coastal states.