Eastern Oysters were once abundant in Barnegat Bay. Due to over harvesting and disease their numbers have been significantly reduced.
Eastern Oyster Comeback
Today, the Barnegat Bay’s oyster population stands at a difficult crossroads.
Fortunately, oysters are returning to Barnegat Bay with the help of scientists, policy makers, commercial, environmental and educational groups along with volunteers.
Habitat Restoration
The Mullica River-Great Bay estuary provides habitat for one of the last remaining viable oyster populations along the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey.
Research has shown that the parasites
Aquaculture
Today, the Barnegat Bay’s oyster population stands at a difficult crossroads.
Scientists, policy makers, commercial, environmental and educational groups along volunteers.
Research
The National Shellfisheries Association
The NSA is an international organization of scientists, management officials and members of industry, all concerned with the biology, ecology, production, economics and management of shellfish resources
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory (HSRL) is an Agricultural Experiment Station and a field station for the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences.
This dual role permits HSRL to draw upon the strengths of both programs to fulfill its mission in support of fisheries and aquaculture research.
Environmental
There is however, some good news.
As a result of Aquaculture more and more “Oyster Farmers” are making a living producing oysters for market and in turn help to make the bay cleaner.
Credits
