2016 Map of Mesquite Bay

About this map

Matagorda Island and San Jose Island stand as prominent barrier landforms along the Gulf Coast, defining the complex estuarine environment of the Texas shoreline. This coastal landscape is marked by the intricate transit route of the Intracostal Waterway, which cuts through the bay system between Black Jack Peninsula and the open Gulf of Mexico. The area is characterized by shallow navigable features like Ayres Dugout, Belden Dugout, and Cedar Dugout, suggesting a history of managed water access through the bays. Natural landmarks such as the Second Chain of Islands and Ayres Reef offer a detailed look at the subtidal and intertidal geography where San Antonio Bay meets Mesquite Bay. This survey captures the shifting nature of these coastal boundaries and the critical maritime passages that serve the region's fishing and commercial traffic.