STOMPNEUS BAY

• Latitude: -32.7235
• Longitude: 17.978
• South Africa
• Port in South Africa

Location: Stompneus Bay Western Cape South Africa

Stompneus Bay is a small coastal inlet located along the west coast of South Africa. This bay is part of the broader Saldanha Bay region, which is known for its significant port activities, although Stompneus Bay is more modest in its facilities and capabilities. Here’s a detailed description and specification of Stompneus Bay:

Location:

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 32.7250° S latitude, 18.0200° E longitude
• Proximity: Located near St Helena Bay, about 150 km north of Cape Town

Port Description:

• Type: Small-scale marine port/inlet
• Primary Use: Predominantly used by smaller fishing boats and recreational vessels.
• Access: The bay is accessible by sea from the Atlantic Ocean.

Facilities:

• Fishing Industry: Localized infrastructure for the local fishing industry, including small jetties and basic offloading facilities.
• Mooring: Limited mooring facilities designed for smaller vessels.
• Marine Services: Basic services including fuel, minor repairs, and provisions are available but limited in scope.
• Recreational Use: Popular for recreational activities like boating, fishing, and leisure sailing.

Navigation and Safety:

• Water Depth: Generally shallow compared to major ports; suitable for smaller vessels.
• Tides and Currents: Influenced by Atlantic tidal patterns; mariners must be aware of local conditions.
• Navigational Aids: Basic navigational aids present, but using Stompneus Bay requires local knowledge.
• Weather Conditions: The area can experience strong winds and rough seas, especially during the winter months.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Fishing: Plays a crucial role in the local economy by supporting the fishing industry.
• Tourism: Attracts tourism due to picturesque coastal scenery and recreational opportunities.
• Conservation: Proximity to natural reserves and marine conservation areas.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Connected by regional road networks to major urban centers.
• Port Facilities: Lacks large-scale port facilities like cargo handling or container terminals.

Environmental Considerations:

• Ecology: Home to diverse marine life; part of the region’s ecological conservation efforts.
• Sustainability: Efforts to ensure sustainable fishing practices and minimal environmental impact.

Future Prospects and Developments:

• Potential for expansion to enhance tourism and small-scale commercial activities.
• Considerations for development need to balance economic benefits with environmental sustainability.

In summary, Stompneus Bay serves as a modest but vital hub for local fishing and recreational activities on South Africa’s west coast. It offers basic facilities and services, sufficient for smaller vessels and industries, while emphasizing the importance of ecological balance and sustainable use of marine resources.