The term "three mile limit" is typically used to describe the distance from a nation's coastline at which that nation's jurisdiction ends and international waters begin. Some synonyms for this term include "territorial sea," "coastal zone," and "exclusive economic zone." These terms all refer to the area of ocean over which a nation has some degree of control, whether through laws and regulations or other means. While the exact boundaries of these zones can vary depending on the country, they are generally agreed upon within international law and are an important component of maritime governance and commerce.