According to common law, the boundary of tidal rivers is typically determined by what feature?

In common law, the boundary of tidal rivers is typically determined by the mean high tide line. This is significant because the mean high tide line represents the average level of high tides over a period of time, establishing a natural boundary between public waters and private land. Understanding this boundary is crucial for land use, property rights, and resource management along coastlines.

The mean high tide line is used as a legal demarcation for determining ownership and jurisdiction over the land by the state, as it indicates where land transitions from private property to the navigable waters of a tidal river. This principle is rooted in the concept of navigable waters being subject to public rights, whereas the land above the mean high tide line may be privately owned.

In contrast, features like mean low tide or flood level indicators do not establish ownership boundaries in the same way. Historical land claims are often relevant but do not provide a consistent legal boundary defined by natural features. Thus, mean high tide serves as the primary reference point in establishing boundaries for tidal rivers in accordance with common law principles.