The term "twelve mile limit" refers to a legal boundary set by nations to delineate their territorial waters. It is a concept commonly used in international maritime law. The twelve mile limit represents the distance from a nation's shore, typically measured from the low-water mark, up to which a nation has the authority to exercise control and jurisdiction.
Within this boundary, the coastal state exercises its sovereign rights, including the regulation of fishing, natural resource exploitation, and the enforcement of laws for security and environmental protection. It also includes the power to establish customs and immigration controls.
The twelve mile limit is derived from the principle of the territorial sea, which grants states sovereignty over a strip of water bordering their coasts. This concept has been widely recognized and accepted in international law, serving as the foundation for defining the extent of a nation's jurisdiction in adjacent waters.
It is important to note that the twelve mile limit is not an absolute rule and can vary between states. Some states may claim a larger or smaller area, depending on their national laws or international agreements. Additionally, certain areas such as straits or archipelagos may have specific regulations that deviate from the general twelve mile limit.
The establishment of the twelve mile limit aims to ensure the order and governance of coastal areas, safeguard national interests, and facilitate the maintenance of security and stability in the maritime domain.
