Territorial Waters
Territorial waters refer to the sea area extending up to 12 nautical miles (about 22 kilometers) from a country's coastline, where that country has sovereignty and control. Within these waters, the state can enforce laws, regulate resources, and manage activities such as fishing and shipping. However, foreign vessels have the right of innocent passage, meaning they can pass through without interference as long as they do not threaten the country’s peace or security. This concept is fundamental in international law and helps delineate a nation’s jurisdiction over marine resources and activities.
Additional Insights
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Territorial waters are the sea areas that extend up to 12 nautical miles (about 22.2 kilometers) from a country's coast. Within these waters, the coastal nation has special rights to regulate activities like fishing, shipping, and resource extraction. The country is responsible for enforcing its laws, but foreign vessels can pass through these waters as long as they do so peacefully. Beyond this zone lies the contiguous zone, where a country can still enforce some laws, and further out are international waters, which are considered open to all nations.