What is the width of the US Territorial Sea adjacent to the coast?

The correct width of the US Territorial Sea adjacent to the coast is 12 miles. This measurement is based on the rules established by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The 12-mile limit extends from the baseline, which is generally the low-water mark along the coast. Within this area, the United States exercises sovereignty, meaning that the country has the right to enforce its laws, regulations, and jurisdiction over natural resources, as well as security measures.

This 12-mile limit is significant as it defines the zone where the laws of the United States apply most directly, including issues such as fishing regulations, environmental protections, and customs enforcement. Beyond this 12-mile mark, other maritime zones such as the contiguous zone (which extends an additional 12 miles) and the exclusive economic zone (up to 200 miles) exist, but these zones involve different levels of jurisdiction and rights over resources. The establishment of the territorial sea at 12 miles is a widely recognized standard among coastal nations, providing clarity for navigation, fishing rights, and territorial claims.