Each
year, the Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring (BMWM) collects approximately
12,000-15,000 water samples and analyzes these samples at its
laboratory facilities in Leeds Point, NJ. In addition, BMWM staff regularly perform field surveys of the coastal
shoreline to monitor any actual or potential pollution
sources. This information is reviewed each year in order
to update the classification of the state's coastal waters
for shellfish harvest. Reports on this information can
be found in the reports section of this website. These classifications
are performed to maintain New Jersey's compliance with
the National Shellfish Sanitation Program and to maintain
the state's excellent record of safe shellfish harvest.
Please click on a chart from the side bar or a coastal portion of the
adjacent map to see the 2015 classifications. SHELLFISH GROWING WATER CLASSIFICATION CHARTS ARE A GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION
OF THE CLASSIFICATION REGULATIONS AND ARE PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY.
See N.J.A.C. 7:12 for the full legal descriptions; or the NJDEP Rules and Regulations website. The 'Cover Pages' explain the most recent changes in classification.
The printed booklet of the shellfish classification charts is now available at our office and various locations throughtout New Jersey. Please be advised that, due to severe storms, short term pollution events, or until classification changes can be adopted through rulemaking temporary closures
of shellfishing waters are sometimes made. If you
are not certain about conditions in waters where you will
be harvesting, please contact the Bureau of Marine Water
Monitoring at (609) 748-2000.
A valid shellfish license (commercial or recreational)
is required for any shellfish harvesting in New Jersey and shellfish permits are required for certain commercial harvesting. For more information on a shellfish harvesting license
and other regulations (such as size limits), contact the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, Bureau
of Shellfisheries at (609) 748-2040.
To download the 2014 Shellfish Classifications ArcGIS shapefile, click here (coming soon - 2015 Shellfish Classification ArcGIS shapefile).
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