Delaware Bay

Delaware Bay is a large esturarial inlet of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Delaware River along the coast of the United States. It is bordered by the state of New Jersey on the north, and the state of Delaware in the south.

Related Topics:
Esturarial - Atlantic Ocean - Delaware River - United States - New Jersey - Delaware

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The bay opens into the Atlantic between Cape May on the New Jersey side and Cape Henlopen on the Delaware side. Collectively the two capes are sometimes known as the Delaware Capes. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry crosses the Delaware Bay from Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware. Management of ports along the bay is the responsibility of the Delaware River and Bay Authority.

Related Topics:
Cape May - Cape Henlopen - Cape May-Lewes Ferry - Cape May, New Jersey - Lewes, Delaware - Delaware River and Bay Authority

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The shores of the bay are largely composed of salt marshes and mud flats, with only small communities inhabiting the shore of the lower. Besides the Delaware, it is fed by numerous smaller streams. The rivers on the Delaware side include (from north to south): the Christina River, the Appoquinimink River, the Leipsic River, the Smyrna River, the St. Jones River, and the Murderkill River. Rivers on the New Jersey side include the Salem River, Cohansey Creek, and the Maurice River. Several of the rivers hold protected status for the unique salt marsh wetlands along the shore of the bay. The bay serves as a breeding ground for many aquatic species, including horseshoe crabs. The bay is also a prime oystering ground.

Related Topics:
Salt marsh - Christina River - Appoquinimink River - Leipsic River - Smyrna River - St. Jones River - Murderkill River - Salem River - Cohansey Creek - Maurice River - Wetlands - Horseshoe crab - Oyster

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