Territorial sea

Definition

The territorial sea is a maritime zone that extends up to 12 nautical miles from a coastal state's baseline, within which the state has sovereignty and jurisdiction. This area is critical as it allows countries to exercise control over their adjacent waters, manage resources, and enforce laws, making it a central aspect of international maritime law and often a focal point in territorial disputes and border conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of territorial seas was solidified in international law by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was adopted in 1982.
2. Countries can establish a territorial sea only if they have recognized coastlines, as landlocked states do not have territorial seas.
3. States have full sovereignty over their territorial seas, which includes the right to regulate navigation, fishing, and resource extraction.
4. Disputes over territorial seas often arise due to overlapping claims between countries, especially in areas with rich resources or strategic importance.
5. While ships of all nations have the right to innocent passage through territorial seas, states can impose certain restrictions to protect their security and environment.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of territorial sea influence international relations among coastal states?
  • The territorial sea plays a crucial role in international relations by defining the jurisdictional limits of coastal states. Conflicts often arise when two or more countries claim overlapping areas as part of their territorial seas, especially in resource-rich regions. This can lead to diplomatic negotiations or confrontations as states seek to assert their rights and protect their interests.
• Evaluate how UNCLOS has impacted disputes related to territorial seas globally.
  • UNCLOS has significantly shaped global maritime law by providing a clear framework for determining the extent and rights associated with territorial seas. It has facilitated dialogue and negotiation among states over maritime boundaries, helping to resolve some disputes while also leaving room for new conflicts to emerge. The treaty has highlighted issues of equity and fairness in resource allocation, especially in contested regions.
• Analyze the implications of overlapping territorial sea claims on regional security and stability.
  • Overlapping territorial sea claims can create tensions that threaten regional security and stability. When countries vie for control over these waters, it can lead to military confrontations or escalation of conflicts. Additionally, unresolved disputes may hinder cooperation on critical issues like maritime security, environmental protection, and resource management, affecting broader geopolitical dynamics in contested areas.

Related terms

Contiguous Zone:

A maritime zone that extends 12 nautical miles beyond the territorial sea, where a state can enforce laws related to customs, immigration, and sanitation.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): A maritime zone that extends 200 nautical miles from the baseline, granting a state exclusive rights to explore and exploit natural resources in the water column and on the seabed.

Baseline: The line from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, typically following the low-water line along the coast of a state.