Nations historically extended their jurisdiction for a distance
of 3 nautical miles from the low-water mark of their shorelines.
This practice was based on the effective range of shore-based
cannon fire during the 19th century, though the 3-mile limit was
the accepted measure of territorial jurisdiction until the
1950s.
The federal Submerged Lands Act of 1953 (43 U.S.C. sec. 1301)
granted ownership of lands and resources to coastal states such as
California within a range of 3 nautical miles from their Coastlines
(a nautical mile is equivalent to one minute of latitude, or 6,080
feet). The act provides a few exceptions to this rule, notably the
Gulf Coast of Texas and Florida, where state jurisdiction extends
to 9 miles offshore -- but this is the source of California's
3-mile jurisdiction for the offshore delivery process.
U.S. federal jurisdiction extends out from the limits of state
jurisdiction. Pursuant to a 1988 proclamation by President Ronald
Reagan (Proclamation No. 5928), the United States asserts sovereign
rights over the seabed and waters out to 12 nautical miles from
shore. Twelve miles is a surprisingly conservative distance, since
a ship may easily be seen by the naked eye at that distance, but
this is consistent with various international agreements.
Notwithstanding the 12-mile limit of U.S. sovereign territory,
the U.S. also asserts jurisdiction over all living and non-living
Natural Resources within a 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Again, this is consistent with international treaties, and this
extension of U.S. jurisdiction was enacted pursuant to a 1983
proclamation by President Reagan (Proclamation No. 5030).
Jurisdiction in the EEZ is exercised to control all economic
resources within the zone, including fishing, mining, oil
exploration and any pollution of those resources. However, the U.S
cannot regulate or prohibit passage or loitering above, on or under
the surface of the sea within the EEZ.
Related Q&A：
How far out from california's coast is considered territorial waters？-Well, you know, the territorial waters off California's coast extend about 12 nautical miles from the baseline. That's like a pretty standard measurement. So, if you go beyond that 12-nautical-mile mark, you're not in California's territorial waters anymore. But it's important to note that there can be some specific regulations and circumstances that might affect this a little bit. But generally speaking, that 12 nautical miles is what's considered the limit. Oh, and this is something that's based on international law and agreements too.
