Pamlico Sound

(7,800 km2) of open water[3] the combined estuary is second only in size to 4,479 sq mi (11,600 km2) Chesapeake Bay in the United States.

[6] The sound and its ocean inlets are noted for wide expanses of shallow water and occasional shoaling, making the area hazardous for larger vessels.

While the deepest hole of the estuary (26 ft; 7.9 m) can be found in the Pamlico Sound,[7] depths generally range from 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m).

"[3] For vacationers to the Outer Banks, the Pamlico Sound is a "watersports playground" providing opportunities for fishing and crabbing, boating, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, paddleboarding, and more.

90% of North Carolina's commercial fishing catches are attributed to the Pamlico Sound, generating almost $100 million per year.

In addition, shellfish populations including blue crab, shrimp, oysters, and clams are healthy.