April Newsletter

Santa Cruz Port District

Newsletter - April 2021

Announcements

Opening of Recreational Salmon Season

Recreational salmon season is scheduled to open on Saturday, April 3, 2021, from Pigeon Point to the U.S./Mexico Border (Monterey and South). The season end date will be determined at the Pacific Fishery Management Council's April meeting.

For additional information on the 2021 Salmon Season, visit the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

National Safe Boating Week

May 22-28, 2021

Join the Port District in promoting safe boating during National Safe Boating Week at the Santa Cruz Harbor launch ramp.

Stay tuned for more information!

Office Space

Interested in office space at the harbor? Nexus Wealth Advisors is seeking a sub-tenant to share office space located at 365B Lake Avenue.

For more information please click here or call Nexus Wealth Advisors at (831) 476-5210.

Channel Navigation

In preparation for a busy boating season, Port District staff would like to remind boaters of the rules governing vessel traffic within the harbor channel. The Inner-Harbor Vessel Traffic brochure, which provides a comprehensive listing of the Rules Governing Inner-Harbor Vessel Traffic, is summarized below:

The speed limit within the harbor is 5 MPH.
Sailboats may tack across the channel, even if such tacking places the vessel in violation of the "keep-to-the-right" rule.
When tacking across the harbor channel onto the side of the channel that places the sailboat in violation of the "keep-to-the-right" rule, sailboats shall yield to oncoming vessels so as not to cause an oncoming vessel to alter speed or course.
All vessels crossing the main harbor channel, or leaving a fairway, shall yield to any vessel transiting the main channel.
Paddlers must keep to the right at all times, and no more than two abreast. A paddler may choose to cross over to the opposing side of the channel to exit or enter the harbor entrance.
Human-powered watercraft are not allowed in the launch ramp area at any time, or operate in fairways and other prohibited areas (see maps).
Paddlers are advised to stay well clear of aerators, which can present a danger whether or not they are in operation.
Please observe the signs! Swimming and prone paddling in the harbor is prohibited.
While on the water, please observe these "rules of the road" and have a safe and enjoyable boating season.

Uninsured Vessel Fee

Effective April 1, 2021, a monthly uninsured vessel fee of $75 has been assessed to those customers who have not yet provided proof of current vessel insurance. The fee will be assessed until such time that a current insurance certificate is provided. If you have vessel insurance, and are being assessed a fee, please contact your insurance agent and provide us with a current vessel insurance certificate.

Certificates may be submitted electronically on the Port District’s website or by emailing scpd@santacruzharbor.org.

Fun Fact

Santa Cruz Harbor has maintained a “Clean Marina” certification since 2007. The Clean Marina program is an ongoing endeavor by a marine industry alliance determined to provide environmentally clean facilities and protect coastal and inland waters from pollution through compliance of best management practices.

To learn more about the program, click here.

2020-21 Dredging Operations

The dredge crew continues to work to deepen the federal entrance channel this season, which is scheduled to end on April 30, 2021. The crew will continue digging in the channel and shoulder areas to build capacity.

Contact the crew for passing instructions on VHF channel 8. Pass Twin Lakes on the east side (Crow's Nest side) of the channel unless otherwise marked. Stay at least 50' from the dredge.

North harbor dredging of coarse-grained sandy material (greater than 80% sand), is permitted through April 30, 2021. Crews will continue to work in the X/J channel until the season's end.

Pictured above the District's dredge Twin Lakes digging on the east side of the harbor entrance.

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Port Commission Meeting Information

Fuel Pricing & Information