Which zone extends adjacent to the territorial sea and up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline?

The correct answer is the Contiguous Zone. This area extends from the outer limit of the territorial sea (which generally reaches 12 nautical miles from the baseline) out to 24 nautical miles. In this zone, a coastal state has the right to enforce laws related to customs, immigration, sanitary regulations, and the protection of the territorial integrity of its waters.

Unlike the Exclusive Economic Zone (which extends up to 200 nautical miles and allows coastal states exclusive rights to resources), the Contiguous Zone specifically addresses the country’s ability to enforce regulations concerning its territory and adjacent sea. It is important to understand that this zone does not provide the same rights over resources as the Exclusive Economic Zone; rather, it is a zone for law enforcement and jurisdictional purposes.

The other options refer to different maritime areas with distinct legal implications, making them less applicable in the context of this question.