Tangier Sound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tangier Sound |
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 Tangier Sound
Location in Virginia
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| Coordinates | 38°03′45″N 75°59′44″W / 38.0626234°N 75.9954899°W |
| Type | Bay |
| Part of | Chesapeake Bay |
| Surface elevation | 0 feet (0 m) |
Tangier Sound is a special part of the Chesapeake Bay. It's like a large, calm area of water that's partly closed off from the main bay. It's surrounded by islands and land in both Virginia and Maryland. This area is very important for nature and for people who work on the water.
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Exploring Tangier Sound
Where is Tangier Sound?
Tangier Sound is located on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay. To its west, you'll find Tangier Island in Virginia and Smith Island in Maryland. To the north is Deal Island in Maryland.
The eastern side of the sound is bordered by the mainland of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Pocomoke Sound. Tangier Sound stretches south into Virginia as far as Watts Island.
Rivers Flowing In
Several rivers flow into Tangier Sound. These rivers bring fresh water from the land into the sound. The main rivers that empty into Tangier Sound are the Manokin, Big Annemessex, and Little Annemessex Rivers. All these rivers are located in Somerset County, Maryland.
Life and Industry on the Sound
The town of Crisfield, Maryland, is located right on Tangier Sound. It's a very important place for the seafood industry, especially for shellfish. Other islands like Smith Island, Tangier Island, and Deal Island are also key spots for catching seafood. These places have a rich history and unique culture connected to the Chesapeake Bay.
In the past, the seafood industry in Tangier Sound faced some challenges. Things like pollution and too much fishing caused problems. However, the wild oyster industry has made a strong comeback recently. This is thanks to local Chesapeake watermen who have worked hard to plant new oyster shells and care for the oyster beds.
Many people believe that Tangier Sound has some of the best oysters and soft crabs in the world. The fishing here is often done by hand or with small boats, which is called an artisanal fishery. It's a source of famous seafood from the region.
Wildlife and Nature
Tangier Sound is also home to several important wildlife areas in Maryland. These areas help protect the natural habitats for many animals and plants. Some of these wildlife management areas include South Marsh Island, Deal Island, Fairmount, and Cedar Island. They are great places for nature lovers to explore.
