<P> A maritime boundary is a conceptual division of the Earth's water surface areas using physiographic or geopolitical criteria . As such, it usually bounds areas of exclusive national rights over mineral and biological resources, encompassing maritime features, limits and zones . Generally, a maritime boundary is delineated at a particular distance from a jurisdiction's coastline . Although in some countries the term maritime boundary represents borders of a maritime nation that are recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, maritime borders usually serve to identify the edge of international waters . </P> <P> Maritime boundaries exist in the context of territorial waters, contiguous zones, and exclusive economic zones; however, the terminology does not encompass lake or river boundaries, which are considered within the context of land boundaries . </P>

International maritime boundary line. – basic facts