Humboldt Bay entrance never this shallow say local fishermen; extreme shoaling conditions being experienced

Historically, Humboldt has had more severe winters than this past one but a local fisherman said he has never seen Humboldt Bay entrance this shallow. This will be the item of discussion, Wednesday 12 pm at Samoa Cook house ,with the Humboldt Bay Harbor Working Group.

Email 1:

"The Entrance to Humboldt Bay is experiencing extreme shoaling conditions.  The USACE dredge ESSAYONS was originally scheduled to arrive May 4^th.  Please read the email below from Capt. Petrusha."

Suzie V. Howser, Chair

Harbor Safety Committee of the Humboldt Bay Area

Email 2:

Just received a call from Peter Mull and Jerry, the Captain of the ESSAYONS. After looking at the soundings the USACE and the Captain of the dredge have determined it unsafe for the ESSAYONS to dredge at the entrance. The draft of the dredge is too much for them to operate. They have decided to bring in Manson’s Dredge BAYPORT to begin the maintenance dredging on approximately May 20^th. BAYPORT is scheduled to complete its current project May 15^th and head to Humboldt Bay. BAYPORT will be here for the entirety of the project once they arrive including the Bar and Entrance, and transition area near Schneider Dock.

The USACE is expecting to receive the soundings from last week late today or tomorrow and will send them to us once they receive them. I will let you know when I receive them or if I hear anything more.

Capt. Tim Petrusha

Director of Harbor Operations/Bar Pilot

Port of Humboldt Bay