What information does a Cardinal Mark provide about a danger?

A Cardinal Mark is a specific type of buoy used in maritime navigation that serves to indicate the direction in which it is safe to navigate around a particular hazard or danger. The term "cardinal" comes from the four cardinal points of a compass: north, south, east, and west. Each Cardinal Mark has a unique color and shape, along with distinctive topmarks, that correlate to its position relative to the danger it marks.

When a Cardinal Mark is present, it indicates the side on which mariners should pass the danger; for instance, a North Cardinal Mark instructs vessels to navigate to the south of the mark, while a South Cardinal Mark indicates passing to the north. This essential information helps ensure the safety of navigation by guiding mariners through potentially hazardous waters while avoiding collisions or grounding.

In contrast, the other options provided do not accurately represent the purpose of a Cardinal Mark. It does not indicate the location of supply stations, marine life, or fishing regulations, as these factors are unrelated to the primary navigational function of Cardinal Marks. Their main role is to enhance navigational safety by conveying specific information about how to safely navigate around hazards.