High Seas

High Seas, the open sea, including the whole extent of sea so far as it is not the exclusive property of any particular country. The rule of international law is that every country bordering on the sea has the exclusive sovereignty over such sea to the extent of three miles from its shores; but all beyond, not within three miles of some other country, is open or common to all countries. The part of sea within three miles' distance is generally called the territorial sea of the particular country, or mare clausum. The distinction has little effect on the right of navigation, but as regards fishing it is otherwise. Thus, foreign fishermen have no right to fish within three miles of the British coast without a license from the crown, or unless some special treaty has laid down other arrangements. See FISHERIES, COOPERAGE.