Eutrophication is responsible for depleting what were once abundant populations of hard clams, soft clams, mussels, scallops, fish, and more. It is linked to stinging sea nettles now flourishing on a disrupted food chain in the Bay. In a worst case scenario, eutrophication can cause hypoxia (lack of adequate oxygen) and can lead to a massive die-off of organisms in the Bay. How did it happen: Scientific studies have determined that Nitrogen enters the estuary from groundwater recharge, atmospheric deposition (airborne particles from coal-fired power plants and auto emissions) and land based runoff pollution. The greatest amount of nitrogen is from polluted stormwater runoff due to development and disturbance of the land area that drains to the Bay.
What is being done: In an effort to help the healing begin, the American Littoral Society, the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program, and other advocates have formed a task force called the Nitrogen Pollution Action Project. Through joint and individual efforts, members are educating the public about how their personal actions contribute to the nitrogen pollution in Barnegat Bay through joint and individual efforts. Only with an educated and engaged public and leadership such as demonstrated by Commissioner Jackson can we succeed in nursing our beloved Bay back to health.
Hear Us on WOBM FM: Society Launches Radio Campaign
On May 30th, Executive Director Tim Dillingham and Atlantic Coast Project Manager Helen Henderson took to the air waves on WOBM 92.7 FM to speak with morning show hosts "Shawn and Sue" about the issues facing Barnegat Bay. Click here and scroll down to "Things you have heard on the show" to listen to the entire interview. Don"t miss the next live interview on Wednesday, July 2nd to learn more about how you can protect Barnegat Bay.
Throughout the summer listeners will learn how they can Protect Barnegat Bay. Listen to our public service announcements by clicking on each topic below:
Nitrogen Pollution in Barnegat Bay
Restore the Bay
Preserve Land for the Bay
"Bayscape" for the Bay
Visit Protect Barnegat Bay website. Click here
Sunday June 1 - A Day of Support for the Bay:
The Barnegat Bay Festival!
DEP Commissioner Jackson with an important announcement:
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson spoke about everyone’s individual responsibility to protect and improve the bay. Commissioner Jackson also announced a stepped-up initiative to determine the extent of the bay’s degradation and new protection efforts.
Read all the details in the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program"s Release by clicking Here

Good Clean Fun for the cause:
The weather cooperated as we celebrated our precious resource Barnegat Bay. People lined up at our dunk tank to try and sink Berkeley Mayor Jason Varano and American Littoral Society Executive Director Tim Dillingham as well as all our volunteers throughout the day. $1 a throw was collected to help support the American Littoral Society’s program to protect and restore the health of Barnegat Bay.


Thank you to our volunteers who helped run the dunk tank!
