Where is hot pursuit of a foreign fishing vessel typically terminated?

The termination of hot pursuit of a foreign fishing vessel is generally recognized to occur at the boundary of a foreign territorial sea. This reflects established international maritime law principles, particularly those outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which delineates the rights and jurisdiction of coastal states over their territorial waters. Once a pursuing vessel reaches the outer limit of a foreign territorial sea, it is no longer permitted to continue enforcement actions under the concept of hot pursuit, as this could infringe upon the sovereignty of the coastal state.

In this context, both the legal framework and the respect for sovereign rights guide the actions of enforcement agencies such as the Coast Guard. Continuing the pursuit beyond this boundary into areas not subject to the coastal state’s immediate jurisdiction could lead to diplomatic tensions and conflicts over territorial rights. Thus, the legal boundaries define where enforcement actions can be appropriately carried out, reinforcing the importance of adhering to sovereign jurisdictions.