High seas

High seas, in maritime law, the sea beyond territorial waters, usually 200 nautical mi (370 km) from the coasts of nations that border the oceans. Since the 19th century freedom of the seas has been recognized as a rule of international law, but recently the discovery of minerals under the sea and the importance of the airspace above it have made the concept crucial. Attempts by any state to extend its jurisdiction should be ratified by international agreement. The Law of the Sea Treaty (1982) received majority approval in the UN, largely because of Third World support, but the United States voted against it.