What does the sea border extend to from the low mean watermark?

The sea border extends to 3 nautical miles from the low mean watermark, which is the baseline used to measure the territorial sea of a coastal state. This distance is significant because it represents the limit of the territorial sea in most countries, as defined by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Within this 3 nautical mile area, the coastal state has sovereignty, meaning it can exercise control over the water column, the sea bed, and the resources therein.

This boundary is important for various reasons, including navigation, fishing rights, and environmental management. It signifies the transition from internal waters, where a state has full sovereignty, to the broader seas where the rights of passage and navigation for other nations come into play. Understanding this limit is essential for maritime operations, enforcement of laws, and ensuring maritime security in a nation’s coastal waters.