Maritime refers to activities and resources related to the sea and coastal areas. National and state parks that have coastlines or are situated near large bodies of water often have significant maritime resources and activities. The National Park Service (NPS) and state park agencies have a mission to preserve, protect, and interpret these resources.
Many national and state parks have maritime resources such as beaches, dunes, wetlands, and tide pools. These resources provide important habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, and also provide opportunities for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. Some parks also have historic maritime resources such as shipwrecks, lighthouses, and coastal fortifications.
Activities in national and state parks may include boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-based recreational activities. Many parks have designated areas for these activities and may also have regulations in place to protect the maritime resources from pollution and overuse.
The NPS and state park agencies also consider the potential impacts of climate change on the park’s maritime resources and landscapes, as well as the need to be sustainable and conserve resources. In some cases, parks may also have programs in place to protect and restore resources, such as dune restoration, beach nourishment, and invasive species control.
Overall, maritime resources and activities are an important part of many national and state parks, providing important habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, and also providing opportunities for recreational activities. The NPS and state park agencies have a mission to preserve, protect, and interpret these resources while balancing the need for recreational opportunities and sustainability.