### Question
What is the definition of coastal environment?


### Answer
The definition of **coastal environment** is as follows in *43 U.S.C. § 1331*:

> the physical atmospheric, and biological components, conditions, and factors which interactively determine the productivity, state, condition, and quality of the terrestrial ecosystem from the shoreline inward to the boundaries of the coastal zone

#### Citation:
  - *43 U.S.C. § 1331*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 29-SUBMERGED LANDS > SUBCHAPTER III-OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS**

