2012 Map of Alligator Point

About this map

The coastal wetlands and brackish waters of the Orleans Parish coast are defined by a complex network of bayous and energy extraction sites as they appeared in 2012. Large-scale industrial activity in the marshes is represented by the Lake St Catherine Gas Field, Shell Point Gas Field, and Lake Borgne Gas Field, marking the intersection of the natural ecosystem and Louisiana's petroleum industry. The landscape is a labyrinth of waterways, from the broad expanse of Lake Borgne and Lake Saint Catherine to smaller arteries like Truloix Bayou and Big Magill Bayou. Prominent coastal landmarks such as Alligator Point, Point Cataline, and Shell Point provide geographic orientation along the fragmented shoreline. This survey captures a specific moment in the shifting hydrography of the region, including areas such as the Spoil Area and the winding Pass Unknown, documenting the intricate relationship between the Gulf's rising tides and the delta's fragile landforms.