What do states retain ownership of in relation to bays and streams?

States retain ownership of bays, inlets, and the beds of streams affected by the tide because these bodies of water are considered navigable and therefore fall under the public trust doctrine. This legal principle recognizes that certain natural resources, such as navigable waters and the land beneath them, are preserved for public use and enjoyment. Navigable waters are those that can be used for transportation or commerce, and the beds of these waters are typically owned by the state.

In the context of tidal waters, states are empowered to regulate the use and access to these resources, ensuring that they remain accessible for public purposes such as recreation, fishing, and navigation. This ownership also encompasses the management of environmental resources and conservation efforts in these areas.

The other options do not adequately capture the scope of state ownership as it pertains to tidal and navigable waters, focusing too narrowly on specific aspects or bodies without acknowledging the broader regulatory and ownership rights that states have over these important natural resources.