NETARTS BAY

• USTLM
• Latitude: 45.4301
• Longitude: -123.947
• US West Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

Netarts Bay is a shallow, estuarine bay located on the northern coast of Oregon, United States. This picturesque bay is known more for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities than extensive marine port facilities. However, I can provide a detailed description and some specifications related to Netarts Bay:

Description:

1. Geographical Location:

   • Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 45.4173° N latitude and 123.9460° W longitude.
   • Proximity: The bay is situated near the small coastal town of Netarts and is about 5 miles southwest of Tillamook, Oregon.

2. Physical Features:

   • Size: The bay spans around 2,500 acres.
   • Depth: It is relatively shallow with depths varying significantly with tides. At high tide, the depth is generally around 10 to 20 feet, while extensive mudflats emerge during low tides.
   • Tidal Influence: The bay experiences significant tidal movements which influence its depth and accessibility.

3. Ecology:

   • Biodiversity: The bay is rich in marine life, including various fish species, shellfish (notably oysters and clams), and bird species.
   • Habitats: It encompasses diverse habitats such as eelgrass beds, mudflats, and salt marshes which are critical for the local ecosystem.

4. Usage:

   • Recreational: Netarts Bay is popular for activities like crabbing, clamming, fishing, kayaking, and bird watching.
   • Commercial: It supports a modest shellfish industry, with local businesses involved in oyster farming.

Specifications and Infrastructure:

1. Access:

   • Road Access: The bay is accessible via Netarts Highway (Route 131).
   • Boat Launches: There are public boat launches and small docks for launching small to medium-sized vessels.

2. Facilities:

   • Marinas/Ports: There are no significant commercial port or large marina facilities. Instead, most boating facilities are small scale, designed for recreational and small commercial use.
   • Moorings: Limited mooring facilities exist primarily intended for small boats.

3. Navigation:

   • Unmarked channels and frequent shallow areas mean that navigation can be complex. Boaters are advised to exercise caution, particularly at low tide.

4. Harbor Management:

   • There is no formal harbor authority as seen in larger ports. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) as well as local authorities manage the bay’s natural resources and recreational use.

5. Environmental Considerations:

   • Preservation efforts are important due to its ecological significance. Activities are regulated to protect the bay's environment, with guidelines and permits needed for commercial operations such as shellfish harvesting.

Summary:

Netarts Bay, while not a major commercial marine port, is a vital ecological and recreational area on the Oregon coast. It provides limited port facilities primarily for recreational boating and shellfish farming while playing a significant role in local biodiversity and environmental conservation.