Legal Definitions - coast water

Coast water refers to the body of water that lies immediately adjacent to a nation's coastline. These waters are generally considered to be under the jurisdiction and control of the coastal state, meaning the nation has the authority to regulate activities within them, such as fishing, shipping, environmental protection, and resource exploration. This typically includes internal waters (like bays and harbors) and the territorial sea, which extends a certain distance (often 12 nautical miles) from the baseline of the coast.

• Example 1: Fishing Regulations

  A national government passes a law prohibiting the use of certain types of fishing nets within 10 nautical miles of its shoreline to protect local marine life and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Any fishing vessel found using the prohibited nets in this area would be subject to the nation's penalties.

  Explanation: The area within 10 nautical miles of the shoreline falls under the definition of coast water, giving the nation the legal authority to enforce its fishing regulations there to manage its natural resources.

• Example 2: Maritime Safety and Incident Response

  A large cargo ship experiences an engine malfunction just three miles off the coast of a particular country, drifting dangerously close to a shipping lane. The coastal nation's maritime authority immediately dispatches a tugboat for assistance and issues navigation warnings to other vessels in the vicinity to prevent collisions.

  Explanation: The incident occurred within the country's coast water, granting its maritime authority the right and responsibility to intervene, ensure safety, and manage the situation to prevent pollution or further incidents within its jurisdictional waters.

• Example 3: Environmental Protection and Resource Management

  A company seeks permission to construct an offshore wind farm approximately seven miles from a nation's coastline. The coastal nation's environmental agency reviews the application, assessing potential impacts on marine ecosystems, bird migration routes, and local shipping traffic before granting or denying approval.

  Explanation: The proposed wind farm site is located within the nation's coast water, giving the government the legal power to approve, deny, or set strict conditions for such development, balancing economic interests with environmental protection and other national concerns.