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State of New Jersey-Department of Environmental Protection - Division of Water Monitoring, Standards and Pesticide Control
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  Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring



The Northern Barnegat Bay is located in Ocean County and is made up of the waters from Bay Head to Seaside Heights, which includes the Metedeconk River and the northern portion of the Barnegat Bay. There are many small tributaries that flow into the Northern Barnegat Bay which include Beaver Dam Creek, Cedar Bridge Creek and North Branch Creek. This Northern Barnegat Bay growing area includes almost 11,000 acres of marine water. This growing area is bordered by the following municipalities: Brick Township, Bay Head, Mantoloking, Lavallette, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Berkeley Township and Toms River.

Status: Currently, 39.3% of this growing area is Approved for shellfish harvest year round, 9% is classified as Conditionally Approved (Nov.); open for shellfish harvest November through April, 39.1% is classified as Restricted; no harvesting for direct market is allowed in Restricted waters and in 12.6% of this growing area shellfish harvest is Prohibited.

Most recent Reappraisal Report

Most recent Sanitary Survey Report

Northern Barnegat Bay Shellfish Classification

Click map to enlarge


Northern Barnegat Bay Photo Northern Barnegat Bay Photo Northern Barnegat Bay Photo Northern Barnegat Bay Photo

Photo Credit: NJDEP