Maritime fiction is a literary genre that focuses on stories set at sea or involving maritime activities. It often features sailors, ships, and the challenges of life on the water. This genre can include adventure, exploration, and the relationships between characters in a nautical environment. Common themes in maritime fiction include the struggle against nature, the quest for discovery, and the bonds formed among crew members. Notable works in this genre include Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" and Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," which explore the complexities of human experience in maritime settings.