Why seaplanes remained useful after deck aircraft took over

When did navies decide between seaplanes and conventional carrier aircraft?

Conventional carrier aircraft won the main combat roles, but seaplanes remained useful for reconnaissance and rescue until helicopters took over those tasks.

Deck aircraft did not immediately eliminate seaplanes from carrier operations. Japan continued developing seaplane fighters into the Second World War, while reconnaissance remained an important role for the type. Royal Navy carriers often retained one or two Supermarine Walrus aircraft for pilot recovery and search-and-rescue work. Helicopters, rather than conventional deck aircraft alone, finally displaced seaplanes from those utility missions.