Santa Cruz Port District
Newsletter - June 2019
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DREDGING OPERATIONS
Entrance Dredging
An extension of the 2018-19 dredge season was authorized through Friday, June 7, 2019. Crews continue to make progress and are working to deepen the federal entrance channel to design depth, which is 20’ with a 2’ over depth. For the remainder of the season, the crew will work south, concentrating on the center to west channel and areas outside the jaws.
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
R.S.V.P. Now!
DATE AND TIME
06/01/19 2:00am - 06/01/19 3:30pm

YES
NO
MAYBE
CROW'S NEST BEACH BARBECUES

The Crow's Nest Beach Barbecues have begun and will continue through summer on Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to sunset, featuring live music on the beach.

Attendees are encouraged to utilize remote parking or take advantage of alternative modes of transportation to this popular event.

To learn more about the Crow's Nest Beach Barbecues, click here .
4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY

The fourth of July holiday is expected to draw large crowds to the harbor and nearby beaches, impacting parking and traffic within the area.

As the holiday approaches, please check the Port District's website for updates on check points and road closure information. We hope that everyone enjoys a safe and fun 4th of July!
Please be reminded that parking is impacted during these events. For more information about parking options in the area, click here .
WATER TAXI OPERATION

The free, inner-harbor water taxi operates between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, on summer weekends and holidays, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In addition to weekend service, the water taxi will operate on Thursday evenings during the Crow’s Nest's beach parties from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations:

  • X-­1 Gate
  • AA Dock (Aldo’s)
  • Launch Ramp

Please click here for the map of all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock.

Thanks to our participating harbor businesses who help sponsor the water taxi each year.
Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project (MBSTP): Chinook Salmon Smolt Release

On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, MBSTP released 120,000 juvenile Chinook into the Monterey Bay via barge from the Santa Cruz Harbor. MBSTP performs this release to support the local sport and commercial fisheries.

The Chinook will be ready for commercial and sport fishermen over the next two to three years.

To learn more about the MBSTP chinook salmon release program, click here.
NOTICE UNDERWATER HAZARDS

Swimmers and surfers beware of an underwater, unsecured, dredge pipe hazard in the nearshore area between 5th and 6th Avenue. This pipe is approximately 40 feet in length and 10 inches in diameter and visible at the water's surface at some tides. Swimmers and surfers are advised to stay well to the east of 6th Avenue in order to avoid contact with this pipe and other dredge equipment until it is removed as part of the dredge demobilization operation.
Boating Safety Tips for Fourth of July
High-Boating Traffic Weekend
The Fourth of July holiday is the highest-boating traffic weekend of the summer. When transiting the Santa Cruz Harbor entrance always check the latest sounding, know what your vessel draws, and check weather and tidal conditions. Remember that bathymetric surveys are adjusted to mean lower low water. Be Courteous. Give hand paddled craft ample room and keep your vessel's wake low.
BOATING SAFETY TIPS
by National Safe Boating Council

  • Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. New innovative styles provide mobility and flexibility during water activities.

  • Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Harbor Patrol to make sure you have all the essential equipment.

  • Make a float plan. Let family and friends know where you’re going and when you will return.

  • Use an engine cutoff device. An engine cutoff device is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

  • Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during your excursion.

  • Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents in 2016 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.

  • Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Familiarize yourself with local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.

  • Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities.

  • Keep in touch. Cell phones, satellite phones, EPIRB or personal locator beacon, and VHF radios can all be important devices in an emergency.

For more information, click here .