Little Egg Inlet facts for kids

Little Egg Inlet is a natural waterway that connects the big Atlantic Ocean to a smaller body of water called Great Bay. It's located along the southeastern coast of New Jersey, United States. This inlet acts like a natural boundary, separating Little Egg Harbor Township in Ocean County from Galloway Township in Atlantic County. Think of it as a watery dividing line between two different areas!

What is Little Egg Inlet?

An inlet is a narrow strip of water that connects a larger body of water, like an ocean, to a smaller one, like a bay or a lagoon. Little Egg Inlet is important because it allows boats to travel between the Atlantic Ocean and Great Bay. It also helps with the flow of tides and marine life.

A Stormy Visit: Tropical Storm Irene

On August 28, 2011, a big storm named Tropical Storm Irene came ashore in New Jersey. Even though it was first thought to be a hurricane when it hit near Little Egg Inlet, experts later found out it had weakened to a tropical storm. This was still a significant event for the area, as strong storms can change the shape of inlets and coastlines.

Coast Guard and Shoaling

Sometimes, sand and sediment can build up in an inlet, making the water shallower. This process is called shoaling. If the water gets too shallow, it can be dangerous for boats.

On March 3, 2017, the United States Coast Guard had to temporarily close Little Egg Inlet because of severe shoaling. They even removed most of the buoys, which are floating markers that guide boats safely. The Coast Guard warned boaters to use the inlet "at your own risk" because it was so shallow.

Inlet Updates

Luckily, the situation improved. By 2018, Little Egg Inlet had been dredged. Dredging means using special equipment to remove sand and mud from the bottom of the waterway. This makes the water deeper and safer for boats to pass through. After the dredging, the Coast Guard was able to put the buoys back in place, helping boats navigate the inlet safely once again.