Katama Bay

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Very shallow and shoal. Katama Bay, a popular kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding spot, is defined by the eastern end of Martha's Vineyard Island, the western end of Chappaquiddick Island, and on the south by a barrier beach. The tide replenishes Katama Bay through Edgartown Harbor to the north. In April 2007, a storm led to a breach in the barrier beach connecting Katama to Chappaquiddick. This breach subsequently enlarged, leading to an increased ocean tide in Katama Bay and a brisk tidal current running north from the breach into Edgartown Harbor. As of July 2012 the breach has migrated steadily eastward and is now immediately adjacent to Chappaquiddick Island. It is anticipated the breach will close sometime in the next year or two. The eastward movement of the breach has changed the flow of ocean water through the breach and caused erosion of the south shore of Chappaquiddick Island. A large home (the Schifter residence) had to be moved inland to avoid falling into the sea.