MANASQUAN INLET

• Latitude: 40.1023
• Longitude: -74.0429
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Manasquan NJ US

Manasquan Inlet is a crucial waterway located on the Atlantic coast in New Jersey, USA. It serves as the boundary between Ocean County to the south and Monmouth County to the north. The inlet connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Manasquan River and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Description:

Geographical Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 40°06'21" N latitude and 74°02'08" W longitude.
• Nearby Towns: Manasquan (north), Point Pleasant Beach (south).

Inlet Characteristics:

• Type: Tidal inlet.
• Waterway Connections: Connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Manasquan River and subsequently to the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Navigation: The inlet is often used for both recreational boating and commercial fishing.

Specifications:

Depth and Width:

• Channel Depth: Generally maintained to a depth of about 10 feet (approx. 3 meters), but this can vary due to sedimentation and dredging activities.
• Channel Width: The inlet’s navigable channel is typically around 150 feet wide.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Jetties: Presence of north and south jetties aiding in stabilization and navigation.
• Marinas: Several marinas are located nearby for docking, fueling, and maintenance services. Notable marinas include Brielle Yacht Club and Hoffman's Marina.
• Boat Ramps: Available for recreational boaters.
• Breakwater: Structures to protect the entrance and navigational channel from heavy surf.

Aids to Navigation:

• Buoys and Markers: The inlet is well-marked with buoys and lights to guide vessels safely through.
• Lighthouses: An important visual aid for navigation, although not always present at the inlet itself, nearby navigational aids like the Sea Girt Lighthouse assist mariners.

Usage:

• Commercial Fishing: The inlet provides access to off-shore fishing grounds.
• Recreational Boating: Popular among private boaters for access to the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Charter Services: Numerous charter services for fishing, sightseeing, and diving expeditions.

Environmental Considerations:

• Dredging activities are frequently conducted to maintain the channel due to natural sediment deposition.
• Environmental monitoring is in place to address concerns of erosion, marine life, and coastal health.

Practical Information:

• Weather Conditions: Subject to Atlantic weather patterns; mariners must be cautious of storms and rough seas.
• Tide Information: Entrances and exits should be planned with tidal currents in mind; strong tidal currents can impact navigation.

Summary:

Manasquan Inlet is a key maritime passageway that supports both commercial and recreational marine activities. It is equipped with necessary navigational aids, facilities, and services to ensure safe passage and operation for various types of marine vessels. Maintaining the inlet’s depth and navigability is crucial given dynamic sedimentary processes and environmental conditions.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, mariners should consult nautical charts, local notices to mariners, and reports from the US Coast Guard or local maritime authorities.