Criminal activity associated with bodies of water has not been extensively researched due to the difficulty in detecting crime committed in or on water and in tracing criminal who use waterways. Furthermore, national boundaries represent weak law enforcement areas and thus foster criminal activity. The criminal use of boats and waterways is widespread and successful. Oceans and waterways, for example, are used as disposal areas for the illegal shipment of narcotics and arms, for gaining illegal entrance into a country, for planning and performing terrorist activities, and for exchanging information in international espionage. In dealing with aquatic crime, territorial jurisdiction cannot be determined in the same manner as for land boundaries. Water has no line of demarcation, so boundaries are determined by a 3-mile limit extending from the coast. This 3-mile limit is not accepted by all countries; some claim a 12-mile limit. The historical context of aquatic crime and the need for aquatic crime research are considered. 6 references.