What does the term "Coastal Zone" encompass?

The term "Coastal Zone" refers specifically to marine waters that are subject to the influence of tides, which includes areas not only that are directly adjacent to shorelines but also extend further offshore. This encompasses various environments such as estuaries, wetlands, and parts of the continental shelf where aquatic habitats and ecological processes are influenced significantly by tidal actions.

Understanding this definition is key to recognizing the area's ecological importance and its regulatory relevance under various environmental laws and policies aimed at protecting marine environments. The Coastal Zone is critical for managing resources, protecting habitats, and addressing pollution, given its unique characteristics and vulnerabilities.

The other options are either too limited in scope or fall outside of what is traditionally recognized as the Coastal Zone. For example, the Great Lakes region consists of freshwater lakes and is not encompassed by the typical definition of a Coastal Zone which deals primarily with saltwater environments influenced by ocean tides. Waters of the high seas and only inland rivers and lakes do not fall under the jurisdiction of coastal management frameworks, further reinforcing the accuracy of the definition provided.