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NJ DEP Embraces Efforts to Heal Barnegat Bay
We are extremely happy to report that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has responded decisively to our efforts on behalf of the Barnegat Bay Nitrogen Pollution Action Project. On June 1, Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson announced important new commitments to the protection and restoration of Barnegat Bay, which we know is dying from pollution and poor stewardship.
NJDEP"s New Commitment: The NJDEP has committed to fund the development of a benthic index (set of biological indicators) to set ecological goals and indicators to guide the restoration effort; develop a model fertilizer ordinance to reduce one of the biggest pollutants affecting the Bay; work with the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program and its partners to develop projects and investigations that will track down the sources of pollution; and strengthen current water pollution control programs. A copy of the full announcement is posted on the NJDEP Division of Watershed Management website: http://www.nj.gov/dep/watershedmgt/bbep_dep_strategy.htm)
The Impact: The American Littoral Society applauds this renewed commitment by Commissioner Jackson. It will demonstrate to the public and local elected officials the level of their support needed to restore and preserve one of New Jersey"s most precious natural resources. It will also strengthen the partnership of stakeholders engaged in restoring the bay including NJDEP, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program and Ocean County Planning Department, as well as environmental and civic groups.
What"s Wrong with the Bay: Barnegat Bay is sick. It is suffering from a disease called eutrophication, which, in this case, means there is an excess level of Nitrogen in the estuary. Its impacts are clear:
- rapid microalgal and macroalgal growth, harmful algal blooms
- impaired fisheries
- loss of seagrass habitat critical to the species that inhabit the bay
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.
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