Mikawa Bay is subsequently joined to the Pacific Ocean[1] by the Irako Channel, which ranges from 50–100 meters (160–330 ft) in depth.

As a result, unique communities developed around the bay and fishing (including Ise Ebi), pearl farming, rice crops, and manufacturing industries flourished.

Chubu Centrair International Airport, built on an artificial island in the bay, was opened in 2005 to serve the region.

After the end of the Second World War, the Ise Bay region contributed greatly to the rapid recovery of the post-war Japanese economy.

This rapid expansion of large industry has come at a cost, though, with pollution affecting the water quality and with landfills and the like reducing the number of tidelands, seaweed beds, and other areas vital in preserving the habitat of local flora and fauna.