Law of the Sea

The Law of the Sea is the international legal framework governing ocean use, maritime boundaries, and resource rights. Primarily through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it defines zones like territorial seas, contiguous zones, and exclusive economic zones (EEZs), balancing national sovereignty with global navigation freedoms.

U.S. Maritime Zones

The United States applies these principles across its coastlines. To understand key distinctions, read Understanding U.S. Maritime Zones: Territorial Waters vs. Exclusive Economic Zones. The territorial sea extends 12 nautical miles from shore, where the U.S. holds full sovereignty, allowing innocent passage for foreign vessels. The contiguous zone reaches 24 nautical miles for enforcing customs and immigration laws. The EEZ spans 200 nautical miles, granting exclusive U.S. rights to fish, oil, minerals, and conservation, while permitting international transit; America’s EEZ ranks second globally at over 11 million square kilometers.

Key Rights and Duties

Within these zones, coastal states like the U.S. manage resources and pollution but must protect marine environments. Foreign ships enjoy passage rights, yet activities like fishing require coastal state permission beyond territorial waters. This framework supports U.S. commerce, security, and energy development while preventing conflicts over oceans.