What is the extent of the "Territorial Sea"?

The "Territorial Sea" extends from the territorial baseline to 12 nautical miles offshore. This maritime zone is recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which defines the rights of coastal nations in regards to their adjacent waters. The territorial sea is the sovereign territory of the coastal state, meaning that the state has exclusive rights over the waters, resources, and activities within this zone, including jurisdiction for enforcement regarding pollution and environmental protection.

The significance of this designation is essential for various legal and operational aspects, including the enforcement of maritime laws and protection of marine ecosystems. Additionally, vessels have the right of innocent passage through territorial seas, meaning they can navigate through these waters as long as they do not threaten the peace, good order, or security of the coastal state.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the defined extent of the territorial sea as recognized internationally. For instance, the option mentioning the area from the high tide line to the low tide line refers to intertidal areas and does not account for the legal definition of territorial waters. Meanwhile, the range from 0 to 3 nautical miles pertains to a different concept, which is often referenced in historical contexts or local regulations. Lastly, stating that the territorial sea includes