Through research, we are gaining a better understanding of the importance of wetlands in the Barnegat Bay. In addition to providing upland flood protection during storm events, coastal wetlands can remove (deposition and plant growth) approximately 85 percent of the nitrogen and 54 percent of the phosphorus entering the bay from upland sources (Velinsky, et al., 2016). With more than 28 percent of Barnegat Bay’s salt marshes having been lost to development (Rutgers, 2017), stabilizing and restoring existing wetlands and preventing the loss of any more wetlands is of significant importance.

• Actions: Develop a consistent strategy and guidance on wetlands restoration to be included in New Jersey’s Wetland Program Plan; continue to fund and support wetlands restoration projects.


• Lead: DEP – Division of Land Use Regulation, Division of Water Monitoring and Standards, and Division of Science, Research and Environmental Health


• Partners: United States Fish and Wildlife Service, DEP – Fish & Wildlife, environmental advocacy groups, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and Municipal stakeholders


• Progress:
  • $30,000 Water Quality Restoration Grant to create a 600-foot oyster and ribbed mussel living shoreline on Mordecai Island awarded to ReClam the Bay in state fiscal year 2018.
  
  
  • $155,000 Water Quality Restoration Grant to support the final design and construction of a 130-foot living shoreline to stabilize, restore and provide resiliency to a severely eroded public area adjacent to the Crabbe Point Pier. Funding awarded to South Toms River Borough in state fiscal year 2018.
  
  
  • $1,000,000 Water Quality Restoration Grant to design and construct approximately 2,600 linear feet of intertidal shelled living shoreline including up to 10 oyster reefs, near the confluence of the Forked River and Barnegat Bay. Funding awarded to American Littoral Society in state fiscal year 2018.
  
  
  • $3,000,000 Water Quality Resotation Grant to design and construct approximately 2,600 linear feet of living shoreline, including a breakwater and reef system, at Cattus Island County Park. Funding awarded to Ocean County Planning Department in state fiscal year 2018.
  
  
  • $350,000 Water Quality Resotation Grant to complete the design and construction of approximately 12,800 square feet of living shoreline that will provide resiliency against boat and wind-driven wave action and provide important public access in Lanyard Lagoon. Funding awarded to Tuckerton Borough in state fiscal year 2018.