Barnegat Bay update

[dicor]

I had the opportunity to talk to the people that search the bay for storm debris with their sonar equipped boat. Every time they find something on the bottom that should not be there they'll mark it with a small float. There is a barge equipped with a claw crane a day or two behind then that will pull up what they have marked. They claim that most of the bay is debris free, south of the bridge it the clearest. He said they are spotting quite a few crab traps, not the 'Deadliest Catch type' but much smaller. He claims not to have hit any partially submerged objects and that for the most part the channels are navigable and true to chart.
I was happy to hear that coming from a couple of guys that had no vested interest as to whether I boat this year or take a hiatus and return in 2014. You talk to business owners along the coast that want the boaters back and all you hear is 'sure we're all good to go, 100%, better than ever. I wouldn't expect them to say anything else, you never hear a waitress at Denny's say "stay away from that meatloaf it doesn't taste as good as it looks on the menu". So all that being saidI guess I will be launching as soon as I slap some bottom paint on it and polish the props, hopefully I'll be in by Memorial Day.

 

[Alex F]

Thanks for the update. I hope that your latest report is true, b/c few weeks ago I was told that only the scanning phase is going on and the cleaning phase hasn't began yet, never mind the dredging. You're not kidding about marinas. Your example with Danny's is exactly the case out there. You can't blame them for wanting more clients, they have enough to deal with and lack of cash flow is the last thing they need.

On the positive note, I heard consistent reports that ICW South of Toms River bridge is fine. I spoke with CG and they said that buoys have been reset. So, as long as you're in the channel you'll be fine. Just remember to pay close attention and the shallow areas are only shallower.

 

[vandal]

The only place where is shalow is around Mantoloking Bridge it use to be 10 feet last year know 5 feet near bridge where inlet formed and sand bars both sides of bridge 1/3 way out from Mantoloking.

 

[SloBurn]

Did they get that house, yes the entire house, out of the water by Mantoloking Bridge?

 

[Alex F]

Quick update:

Toms River seems to be ok, ICW South of Toms River bridge is ok. I saw number of boats by Tices. Initially I've heard that Tices was one big shoal now, but later got info that further away from the shore it's ok while closer to the shore it got tons of sand.

Another news, to attract boaters back to the area they have opened up the F-cove.

 

[rcknecht]

DICOR (I think Don), Do you keep your boat at Dillian's Creek? I have my little boat there waiting to be worked on. We plan on taking our 340 our tomorrow of the the first time in the Bay... I plan on heading south, maybe up the river...

 

[Alex F]

Has anyone heard how's the Manasquan river? Any debris or underwater obstruction reported by Osborn Island? Are there any boats anchoring there this year?

 

[Xplicitlnck]

I was at my gf grad party sat night and he has a house on the water and he says they just pulled a Mercedes out a few days ago and he still has the large plastic trash cans that the town mandates you to have washing up in his back yard. Atleast one or two a week. From the way he describes the cans there fairly large. The kind the truck pulls up to and lifts with the forks to dump into the back of the truck.... im also interested in how shark river inlet and canal is. Im looking to shoot down there to belmar marina mid june for my bday.

 

[rcknecht]

I went out in my boat yesterday afternoon, and the had no problems with the Bay depth. It is same as before the storm... I traveled from my home in Goose Creek, just North of the 37 Bridge to Light House point Marina and back... Thunder showers came in, so it was a quick trip... I only so one other boat on the 10 mile round trip...

 

[Alex F]

Did anyone hear any updates on ICW between PP Canal and Toms river bridge? Is it free of sunken objects by now?

 

[Bugsy24]

It's all free and clear Alex, has been for Months!!

 

[Alex F]

That's great to hear! Thanks Marshall.

 

[rcknecht]

This was from last Thursday in Ortley Beach... Took me all summer to get the never up to venture on that side of the Bay... The depth is actually better now than before the storm...