Delaware Bay is an inlet for the Atlantic Ocean between New Jersey and Delaware and is an outlet for the Delaware River. The size of the bay is about 50 miles long and 30 miles wide with a depth of 60 feet. The bay is the second most important waterway system in the United States, with the Mississippi River being number one. Delaware Bay does have the largest freshwater port in the United States. Most of the oil that is shipped to the Eastern section of the states comes to this port. Port Wilmington is located 65 miles from coast. This port handles over four million tons annually for fresh fruit.
      Economically, the area around the bay boasts 19,000 jobs. Due to this trend, they have millions in business revenue and millions in taxes from both state and local. Oysters harvested have an approximate value of $1.5 million. The Delaware Bay area is also home to millions of people.
      The area around the bay consists of mud flats and salt marshes. A lot of fishing goes on in Delaware Bay each year and was estimated bringing into the area about $25 million in 1990. The area is known as a breeding ground for water fowl and land bird species. It is also acknowledged as being one of the four major migrations areas for birds that live near the sea shore. The area is known for wintering other birds such as songbirds and raptors. The bay is also known as one of the world’s largest spawning ground for horseshoe crabs. Pea Patch Island Nature Preserve located at the head of Delaware Bay, has one of the largest groups of nesting herons on the Eastern seaboard. Built in 1859 on Pea Patch Island, Fort Delaware is now on the National Registry of Historic Places.