Louisiana § RS 49:1 - Gulfward boundary
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 49:1 — Gulfward boundary, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 49:1. Gulfward boundary
A. The historic gulfward boundary of the state of Louisiana extends a distance into the Gulf of America three marine leagues from the coastline. For the purposes of this Part, "three marine leagues" is equal to nine geographic miles or 10.357 statute miles.
B. The coastline of Louisiana shall be the line of ordinary low water along that portion of the coast which is in direct contact with the open sea and the line marking the seaward limit of inland waters, and shall be not less than the baseline defined by the coordinates set forth in United States v. Louisiana, 422 U.S. 13 (1975), Exhibit "A". Under no circumstances shall the coastline of Louisiana be nearer inland than the baseline established by such coordinates.
C. No provision of this Section shall be construed to relinquish any dominion, sovereignty, territory, property, or rights of the state of Louisiana or its political subdivisions otherwise provided by law.
D. Any reference in the codified or uncodified laws of this state to the "Gulf of Mexico" shall be deemed to refer to the "Gulf of America", as designated by the United States Board on Geographic Names. This Subsection shall apply to all existing statutes, regulations, administrative rules, contracts, and other legal instruments, and shall be given full force and effect in all official state documents and proceedings.
Amended by Acts 1954, No. 33, §1, eff. June 21, 1954; Acts 2011, No. 336, §1; Acts 2025, No. 105, §2, eff. June 8, 2025.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 49:1
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 49:1 cover?
Section RS 49:1 ("Gulfward boundary") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 49:1?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 49:1" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 49:1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.