IV-181 



of certain estuaries, such exploitation need not be allowed to 

 continue. 



Based on present trends and demands, there is little doubt that 

 there will be a tremendous need for estuarine uses other than for 

 military, shipping, and industrial uses. That is, if the 

 facilities are available for recreation, sports, or aesthetic 

 enjoyment, they will be used and used to great advantage from an 

 economic standpoint as well as a social standpoint. Also, some 

 commercial fishery ventures may again become not only feasible but 

 profitable if the detrimental uses of estuaries are curtailed. 



NARRAGANSETT BAY 

 (IV-3-1) 



The Narragansett Bay system in Rhode Island and Massachusetts 

 is an estuary of approximately 170 square miles with a total 

 shoreline of approximately 240 miles. Except for normal shoaling 

 towards shore, there are only ^ery limited areas where the water 

 depth is less than six feet at mean low tide. Passages between 

 the islands have sufficient depths for large ships—channels need 

 only be dredged where they enter the Taunton and Providence Rivers, 

 Because of the islands in the Bay and the irregular coast, 

 Narragansett Bay has a long shoreline with coves and embayments 

 that are protected from the wave effects of major storms. The 

 tidal range is a moderate 3-4 feet but a favorable cross section 

 to length ratio of the basin helps to ensure reasonably good 



