SAN PABLO BAY

• Latitude: 37.9583
• Longitude: -122.41
• US West Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

San Pablo Bay is a tidal estuary located in the northern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in California, United States. It is an extension of the San Francisco Bay, connected via the narrower strait known as the Carquinez Strait to the east and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to the south. Below are the key features and specifications of San Pablo Bay:

Geographical Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 38°05′N 122°22′W
• Adjacent Cities: Vallejo, Richmond, San Rafael, and others.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: San Pablo Bay covers roughly 90 square miles.
• Depth: The bay is relatively shallow, with an average depth often ranging between 10 to 20 feet, though there are deeper dredged channels for shipping.
• Tides: The bay experiences a mixed semi-diurnal tide, with two high and two low tides each day.

Hydrology:

• Principal Inflows: The Napa River, Sonoma Creek, Petaluma River, and other smaller creeks.
• Salinity: Varies with season and water discharge from the rivers, generally brackish.

Environmental Aspects:

• Wildlife: The bay and its surrounding wetlands are home to various species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. It's an important habitat for migratory birds.
• Conservation Areas: Parts of the bay's periphery include protected areas such as the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Economic and Recreational Use:

Marinas:

There are several marinas along the coastlines of cities adjacent to San Pablo Bay. These marinas accommodate both recreational and small commercial vessels. Specific features may include:

• Docking Spaces: Various sizes to accommodate different boat lengths.
• Facilities: Fuel docks, water/electrical hook-ups, maintenance services, restrooms, and sometimes restaurants or convenience stores.
• Access Routes: Easily accessible from major highways and often provide parking facilities for vehicles.

Recreational Activities:

• Boating: Popular among local residents for sailing, fishing, and pleasure cruising.
• Fishing: Both recreational and commercial fishing activities take place. Species commonly caught include striped bass, sturgeon, and various types of salmon.
• Wildlife Viewing: Due to the rich biodiversity, birdwatching and nature walks are common along the bay's coastline.

Navigational Information:

• Shipping Channels: Maintained channels for commercial vessels, primarily linking the Port of Sacramento and the Port of Stockton to the larger San Francisco Bay.
• Navigation Aids: Buoys, channel markers, and lights are strategically placed to aid navigation.

Key Points of Interest:

• San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Provides a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Historic Sites: Nearby Mare Island, located in Vallejo, boasts a historic naval shipyard.
• Richmond-San Rafael Bridge: A significant piece of infrastructure spanning the southern portion of the bay.

Environmental Concerns:

• Water Quality: Issues such as pollution from urban runoff and industrial contaminants.
• Wetland Preservation: Efforts are ongoing to restore and preserve the bay’s wetlands, vital for wildlife habitat and flood protection.

In summary, San Pablo Bay in the US is a significant estuarial water body with substantial geographical, ecological, and recreational importance. It serves as an essential hub for both wildlife and human activities and has multiple points of interest that contribute to its local and regional significance.