Shellfish (hard clams, oysters, and scallops) are an important natural resource and economic driver for Barnegat Bay. There is significant potential for increased production through commercial shellfish aquaculture. Shellfish provide the added benefit of removing pollutants, specifically turbidity and nutrients, from the water column. This is important since portions of Barnegat Bay are currently impaired for turbidity and portions of the bay may be impaired for Total Nitrogen, once a standard is developed.

Research from the Chesapeake Bay (oysters) and Long Island Sound (ribbed mussels) indicate that shellfish remove nitrogen from the system when they are harvested. More specifically, reliable estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus removal can be calculated based upon the biomass of oysters harvested. Nitrogen content of oyster soft tissue and shell is estimated to be 8.2% and 0.2% of dry 16 weight, respectively. Denitrification rates associated with oyster reefs typically exceed background levels, but are highly variable among locations and seasons. In addition, oysters enhance the rate of nutrient flux from the water column to the bottom because of the deposition of feces and pseudofeces (Chesapeake Bay Program, 2013).

Working with experts within DEP, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, academia, and environmental advocacy groups, and in consultation with the Atlantic Coast Shellfish Council, areas appropriate for shellfish restoration and management techniques will be identified to increase existing shellfish stock and create enticements for expansion of aquaculture within Barnegat Bay. Increasing shellfish harvest from Barnegat Bay on a large scale can account for some of the nutrient load reductions needed to improve water quality and aquatic health.

• Actions: Develop a Barnegat Bay shellfish restoration plan through a stakeholder work group


• Lead: DEP


• Partners: New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Rutgers University, Stockton University, Barnegat Bay Partnership, ReClam the Bay, Atlantic Coast Shellfish Council, and Shellfish Industry


• Progress: $300,000 Water Quality Restoration Grant for installation of three (3) acres of oyster reefs at (2) locations in the Barnegat Bay. Funding awarded to Stockton University in state fiscal year 2018.