Brief History of South Bay

South Bay was historically part of the Laguna Madre.  Due to dredging of the Brownsville Ship Channel in the early 20th century, the lower part of the Laguna Madre was separated.  As a result the spoil from the dredging was placed along the  banks of the ship channel.  Eolian deposition of the spoil filled what is now South Bay creating low water level.  Notice the orthographic image above and below the separation of South Bay.  

Image of shallow waters of South Bay, visible are sea-grass beds.  The sea-grasses grow best in shallow water; this is one benefit of the separation of the southernmost part of Laguna Madre. 

Close up picture of sea-grass.  Shoal grass is one of the major sea-grass present that provide habitat and nutrients for marine ichthyofauna (fish).