Translation and Meaning of: 領海 - ryoukai

The Japanese word 「領海」, read as りょうかい (ryoukai), refers to the term "territorial waters" in Portuguese. This concept is crucial for maritime and international law, as it pertains to the area of sea along the coast of a nation over which that nation has sovereignty. All navigation, exploration of underwater resources, and regulation of fishing within this perimeter are controlled by the nation that holds it.

From an etymological point of view, 「領海」 is composed of two kanji. The first, 「領」 (ryou), means "territory" or "domain," often used to describe an area under control or jurisdiction. The second kanji, 「海」 (kai), means "sea" or "ocean." Thus, combined, the two kanji create an expression that literally means "territorial sea." This construction directly reflects its function: to delineate the extent of the waters under the sovereign control of a country.

The concept of territorial waters has an origin that dates back to the early days of international law. Historically, the width of territorial waters was established by the so-called "three-mile rule" in the 18th century, based on the idea that this was the range of naval cannons at the time. Over time, and especially after the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, held in 1982, this extent was generally expanded to twelve nautical miles from the baseline, allowing countries to exercise more extensive sovereignty rights over marine resources and activities in this stretch.

This definition not only regulates the use of maritime resources but also influences issues of security, scientific research, and criminal and civil jurisdiction. Nations have the right to explore and use marine resources, but they are also responsible for protecting the marine environment in these areas. Furthermore, while enjoying sovereignty, states must allow the innocent passage of ships from other nations in these waters, which implies a delicate balance between sovereignty and freedom of navigation.

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Synonyms and similar words

領域 (Ryōiki) - Area or domain considered in a specific context.
水域 (Suiiki) - Water area, usually referring to bodies of water such as rivers and lakes.
海洋管轄区域 (Kaiyō Kankatsu Kuiki) - Maritime zone under jurisdiction, specifying authority in ocean waters.
領海水域 (Ryōkai Suiiki) - Territorial waters, the limits of a state over its coastal waters.