This view of the "south dock" entry point was taken in 2014 before the state began to allow commercial use at the south dock. Historically the south beach resources were able to "rest" and rebuild themselves between storm events. The south beaches work best for boaters, paddlers and hikers since they are dispersed along the beach producing less impact. Now thousands of people per month are tramp
Large 50' commercial ferry boats bring up to 50 people twice a day to the tiny dock at the narrows. Their twin propellers produce heavy secondary wake and the hydrodynamics of action over the sea grass beds and increase turbidity creating unhealthy conditions for the aquatic life . These boats have changed the depth of the natural tidal flow channel with approximately 6000 trips over the past 5
State's "south dock" was built in January, 2016 using a questionable permitting process. Large 50' commercial ferrys traverse shallow, sensitive grass flats at most all tides to get to the dock. There are no facilities and the dock sits amid private properties. The land was purchased in 1978 using Environmentally Endangered Lands funds specifically earmarked for preservation.
April 2021 Aerial photograph showing the 4-5' "blow out hole" and sand swale caused by prop dredging of 45' boats with twin 250 engines. These damages have been caused by repeated trips over the past 5 years that could have been prevented. Seagrass damage and secondary prop scaring and turbidity affect fish, their migrating patterns as well as the health of the seagrass beds.
The concession ferrys bring hundreds of people each month, sometimes when the tides are very low. The big boats have to "drive" up onto the landings. This has created a large blow out hole, prop dredging the sea bed behind the boat.
2013 Pejuan Inlet - Here's a look at the shallow waters of Pejuan Inlet before large commercial boats began to come to the new "south dock". Note the narrow entry at the point and rich green colors of the seagrass fingers and beds . The natural tidal inlet "hugged" the shoreline. At many lower tides this area was not easily accessible even by small boats. Google Earth
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