BELFORD

• Latitude: 40.4324
•
• Longitude: -74.082
•
• US East Coast
•
• Marina in US

Address: Belford New Jersey US

Belford is a coastal community located in Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. While it isn't a major commercial port like some of the larger ports in the United States, it does have notable maritime facilities. The Belford area is particularly known for its seafood industry and the Belford Seafood Co-op, which has been a significant player in providing fresh seafood to the region. Here's a general description and some specifications related to the Belford maritime area:

Belford Port Overview

• Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey, on the western coast of the Raritan Bay.
• Primary Function: Primarily serves as a base for commercial fishing operations and some recreational boating.
• Coordinates: Approximately 40.4295° N latitude, -74.0869° W longitude.

Key Features

1. Belford Seafood Co-op:

   • Operations: Handles a variety of seafood caught by local fishermen, including fish, shellfish, and other marine products.
   • Facilities: The co-op includes docks and warehouses for handling and processing seafood. It also serves as a sales point for fresh seafood.

2. Maritime Services:

   • Fishing Fleet: The port supports a local fleet of commercial fishing boats.
   • Marina Services: There are facilities for docking and maintaining recreational boats, though on a smaller scale compared to larger marinas.

3. Accessibility:

   • Water Depth: Suitable for small to medium-sized fishing vessels. The exact depth can vary, but it's generally not dredged to the extent of major commercial ports.
   • Navigation: Fairly navigable given its location on the Raritan Bay, but primarily used by smaller vessels.

4. Supporting Infrastructure:

   • Road Access: Easily accessible via New Jersey State Routes and local roads. Proximity to key highways simplifies the logistics for transporting seafood and other goods.
   • Nearby Facilities: Close to additional maritime infrastructure, such as marinas and shipyards in the greater Middletown area.

5. Economic Impact:

   • Focuses largely on supporting the local economy through the fishing industry.
   • Provides employment for fishermen, dock workers, and others involved in the seafood supply chain.

Recent Developments and Environmental Factors

• Sustainability Initiatives: There may be ongoing projects aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and preserving marine ecosystems.
• Storm Resilience: Given its coastal location, the area can be susceptible to storms and flooding, necessitating preparedness measures.

Limitations

• Unlike major commercial ports, Belford does not have the infrastructure to support large cargo ships or extensive commercial shipping operations.
• Limited direct ties to international shipping routes, and focuses more on regional maritime activities.

While Belford may not be a large-scale commercial port, it plays a crucial role in the local community and the broader regional seafood supply chain. Its maritime activities reflect a blend of commercial fishing and recreational boating, grounded in local heritage and ongoing economic activity.