The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000 recreational and commercial waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It runs from Maine to Florida and consists of natural inlets, salt-water rivers, bays, and man-made canals. The Intracoastal Waterway is frequented by commercial vessels, luxury yachts, small boats and recreational watercraft. While this “highway of the sea” provides a habitat to coastal wildlife, a playground for water sport enthusiasts and gateway to employment for fishermen, the Intracoastal Waterway has been subject to harsh criticism by both boaters and environmentalists. Boaters complain about the government’s failure to dredge the Waterway which would enable large boats to pass through easily. Environmentalists argue that the waterway is damaging to wetlands and wildlife. Only time and nature will tell if the Intracoastal Waterway continues to be a major resource in water transportation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>