Marine strata contribute by far the largest percentage of the sedimentary rocks in the geologic column and in great part these are of shallow water origin. Only in recent years have near-shore environments begun to receive the attention necessary for adequate description and interpretation of the factors determining the sedimentary patterns and characteristics developed. St. Joseph Bay is unique in being the only sizable body of water along the eastern portion of the Gulf Coast not of estuarine origin or markedly influenced by the influx of fresh water. It is the hope of the writer that the study of recent sedimentation in this bay may furnish useful information on yet another type of environment encountered along our present coastline.