An Act To Assert State Ownership Over Ocean Waters Up To 12 Nautical Miles And Submerged Lands And Marine Resources Up To 24 Nautical Miles Off The State'S Coast And To Direct The Attorney General To Study That Ownership

LD 687 proposes that Maine assert state ownership and jurisdiction over coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles from shore and over submerged lands and marine resources (like fishing or mining) up to 24 nautical miles offshore. The bill directly affects Maine's authority over these coastal zones and would require the Attorney General to study the legal implications of claiming ownership beyond the standard 12-mile international limit. Key provisions include the state's formal assertion of rights within these boundaries and a mandated legal study on sovereignty over marine resources beyond 12 miles. This is a procedural step to explore Maine's potential claims, not an immediate change to current law.