The Saltwater Fishing Boundaries According & Palm Harbor Boat Sales
When you’re out on the open water, it’s hard to imagine boundary lines, but according to the leaders in Palm Harbor boat sales at Boat and Motor Superstores, the top boat trader in the area, these boundaries do exist. If you’re a fisher in the Palm Harbor area the most important lines to know about are the ones that separate state waters and federal waters. There are times when the regulations that govern the seas are the same in both state and federal waters, but this isn’t always the case. This is why it is important to understand the rules in both and also be aware of where these invisible lines are placed, so you know when you’ve crossed them.
Boundary Lines According to the Leader in Palm Harbor Boat Sales
If you’ve been searching for a new boat through a boat trader in Florida, it’s important to understand the rules of the water before getting out there. Florida presents a unique situation because it is the only state where the boundaries move depending on which coast you are on. If you’re traveling on the state waters in the Atlantic, they extend out to three nautical miles while on the Gulf side they extend out nine nautical miles. Many boat owners find themselves wondering why or how this could be since it makes it a little more challenging to keep track of where things change. Keep reading to learn more!
In the 1940s the state boundaries in open waters began to be defined in the United States because residents began to worry about rights for oil beneath lands. In 1947 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against California, Louisiana, and Texas saying the federal government has the right to all submerged lands of the Pacific. In 1953 the United States Congress created the Submerged Lands Act. This act included a provision that allowed a state’s boundary to be extended if it was past three geographic miles from the coast prior to when the state was formed. Florida immediately reacted by stating their boundary went past three geographic miles before it became a state in 1845 and Congress approved the new boundary when Florida was readmitted to the Union after the Civil War. when Florida represented its case before the Supreme Court in 1960, the stated highlighted the fact that in Article I of their Constitution, which was approved by Congress, describes the boundary off Florida’s Gulf Coast as “three leagues from mainland.” When converting nautical leagues to nautical miles, it’s important to note that one nautical league is equal to three nautical miles. So Florida’s boundary line extended nine nautical miles. For fishing purposes, it’s critical to note that federal waters extend from where the state’s waters end and out about 200 nautical miles. However, in some areas, it is less where waters meet other country’s waters. For example, in the Caribbean.
Contact Us
Boat and Motor Superstores is a leader in Palm Harbor boat sales. As a top boat trader in the Palm Harbor area, we have the knowledge you need to make the most out of your boating experience. Call or visit us today to find out how we can help you!