The history of the territorial sea and legislative practices associated with its boundaries are examined in this study. The survey includes information related to: (l) the history of territorial zones (tracing evolutionary development and impacts); (2) United States practices (examining the purpose of authority asserted in the territorial sea); (3) the status of the territorial sea; (4) changes in the boundaries; (5) resource legislation (emphasizing mineral resources and fisheries); (6) alternative scenarios (projecting impacts of the adoption of the 12-mile limit); (7) coastal and landlocked states (discussing legislative effects on the states); (8) planning (posing questions related to boundary laws); and (9) zone A in operation (offering perspectives on the 50-state sharing arrangement). (ML)