### Question
How is the "coastal zone" defined?


### Answer
The term **coastal zone** is defined in *16 U.S.C. § 1453* as follows -

> the coastal waters (including the lands therein and thereunder) and the adjacent shorelands (including the waters therein and thereunder), strongly influenced by each other and in proximity to the shorelines of the several coastal states, and includes islands, transitional and intertidal areas, salt marshes, wetlands, and beaches

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 1453*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 33-COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT**

