What is the purpose of naval blockades?

The purpose of naval blockades is to prevent ships from entering or leaving an enemy's ports. This strategy is employed during conflicts to disrupt trade, limit the enemy's access to resources, and weaken their military capabilities by cutting off supplies and reinforcements. By establishing a naval blockade, a navy can effectively isolate an adversary economically and logistically, significantly impacting their ability to sustain operations and conduct warfare. This approach has been a fundamental tactic in naval warfare throughout history, aiming to undermine the enemy's overall power and influence while preserving one's own naval strength.

The other options, while relevant in maritime operations, do not encapsulate the primary function of a naval blockade. Conducting maritime reconnaissance missions focuses on gathering intelligence, enhancing naval logistics relates to supply chain management during operations, and protecting maritime resources from piracy addresses security concerns, which are distinct from the strategic aims of a blockade.