Some of the most valuable natural resources of the Middle Atlantic region are found along the Atlantic coast, and just offshore. Commercial fishing is an important industry in most of the states in the northeast. Fishing for sport is popular, too. Fishermen earn a living by catching fish, oysters, and crabs. Many people in this region make a living in the shipping industry.

Many minerals are found in this region. New York mines several valuable minerals including zinc, lead and salt. Pennsylvania has a lot of coal mines. Many people make a living mining for coal. It is hard work and very dangerous. The coal that is mined in Pennsylvania is used to make fuel to melt the iron ore that is made into steel.

Tourism is a major service industry in the Middle Atlantic region. You can go skiing in the mountains, swimming at the beaches, hiking, camping, boating, fishing, to historical sites and more. In the large cities, you can go shopping, to museums, the theater, and much more. Use these tourism links to learn more:

   New York Tourism
   Pennsylvania Tourism
   Maryland Tourism
   New Jersey Tourism
   Delaware Tourism

Activity 4: Industry and Natural Resources