Territorialmeer

Territorial sea refers to a belt of the sea that lies seaward of the coast of a coastal state and is subject to the sovereignty of that state. This sovereignty extends to the seabed, subsoil, and the airspace above it. The breadth of the territorial sea is generally recognized to be 12 nautical miles from the baseline, which is the low-water line along the coast as depicted on large-scale charts officially recognized by the coastal state.

Within its territorial sea, a coastal state has the right to regulate all activities, including fishing, navigation, and resource exploration. Foreign vessels are generally granted the right of innocent passage, meaning passage that is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the coastal state. However, this right can be suspended under certain circumstances, such as for security reasons.

The concept of territorial waters is codified in international law, primarily through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While the 12-nautical mile limit is widely accepted, some states have historically claimed larger territorial seas, although these claims are not universally recognized. The contiguous zone, which extends beyond the territorial sea, allows coastal states to enforce certain laws and regulations related to customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary matters. Beyond the territorial sea lie the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the high seas, where different legal regimes apply.