1.3 Important Terms
Terms used in connection with leasing and ownership of ocean and coastal lands and resources are often very specific to organizations, states, and countries. However, terms are presented in this toolkit to be as generic and inclusive as possible. Given this, it is essential that organizations understand generic terms but also know and use the locally accepted vernacular for specific project areas.
As you approach agencies and organizations in your state or country, it is critical to be flexible in your use of terminology for several reasons:
- Different terms are often used to describe the same thing.
- Similar terms are often used to describe different things.
- Terms are sometimes used inconsistently and incorrectly.
If it sounds ineffective and confusing to have numerous terms used in similar and different contexts, you are correct. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to standardize most of the terms. The best you can hope for is to understand and apply the common vernacular for specific organizations and geographies as consistently and correctly as possible. You should not be surprised to find that you end up using terminology with which someone does not agree.
If you encounter new terms or discover that explanations of terms provided in this toolkit are incorrect, please contact us.
Image: Portion of Charter of Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, Falkland, Scotland, 24 April 1417. Source: The Schoyen Collection http://www.schoyencollection.com, © Martin Schøyen