The phrase "high seas" refers to the open ocean where "seas" can be used to mean a large body of saltwater. The IPA phonetic transcription for "high seas" is /haɪ siːz/. This means that "high" is pronounced with the [haɪ] sound which represents the long vowel /aɪ/, and "seas" is pronounced with the [siːz] sound which indicates the long vowel /iː/ followed by the consonant cluster /z/. Proper spelling of this phrase is important to accurately convey its meaning.
High seas refer to areas of the Earth's oceans that are beyond the jurisdiction of any particular country. Also known as international waters or open waters, the high seas are not under the control of any single nation and are considered part of the global commons. They are essentially the vast portions of the world's oceans that lie outside the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and territorial waters of coastal states.
The concept of high seas stems from the principle of freedom of the seas, a longstanding principle of customary international law that promotes the unrestricted movement and use of the world's oceans for navigation, fishing, scientific research, and other peaceful purposes. High seas are open to all nations and are governed by a set of legal principles and international treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
While the high seas are not subject to the sovereign control of any state, they are nonetheless governed by international law to ensure the peaceful and equitable use of these global commons. This includes regulations on activities such as navigation, fishing, conservation and management of marine resources, protection of the marine environment, and maritime safety and security. The concept of high seas plays a significant role in facilitating global trade, scientific exploration, and cooperation among nations in the realm of ocean governance.
The ocean beyond the limits of the waters usually assigned to nations.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "high seas" originates from Middle English and has its roots in Old English and Old Norse. The term "high" originally meant "extending far upwards", while "seas" referred to large bodies of saltwater. In the context of maritime law and international waters, the phrase "high seas" refers to areas that are beyond the jurisdiction of any particular country. It implies the open ocean, often far from land and subject to the principles of international law.