Working collaboratively to protect the Barnegat Bay Estuary Systems

The Barnegat Bay Partnership is one of 28 EPA designated National Estuary Programs established to protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance.

The Barnegat Bay Partnership
Discover Our Commitment

Water Quality

We work to protect and improve water quality by reducing the causes of water quality degradation to achieve swimmable, fishable, and drinkable water, and to support aquatic life.

Water Supply

We are working to ensure adequate water supplies and flow into the Barnegat Bay watershed for ecological and human communities now and in the future.

Living Resources

We aim to protect, restore, and enhance habitats in the bay and its watershed as well as ensure healthy and sustainable natural communities of plants and animals.

Land Use

We work to improve and sustain collaborative regional approaches to responsible land use planning and open space preservation and improve soil function, water quality, water supply and living resources.

Water Quality

Safeguarding and enhancing water quality by addressing the root causes of pollution and degradation, ensuring a healthier ecosystem for all.

Water Supply

Safeguarding and enhancing water quality by addressing the root causes of degradation, ensuring clean and healthy water systems for all.

Living Resources

Conserving and restoring critical habitats within the watershed, promoting ecosystems that sustain diverse plant and animal species.

Land Use

Securing a reliable and sustainable water supply for both human communities and the surrounding ecosystems, now and in the future.

Protecting an Estuary of National Significance

The Barnegat Bay Partnership is one of 28 National Estuary Programs established to protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance. 

Though estuary regions compromise just 4 percent of the continental US land area, they house 40% of the US gross domestic product. The National Estuary Program was founded in 1987 as part of the Clean Water Act and was established to protect the integrity of estuaries of national significance.

The Barnegat Bay Partnership is a partnership of federal, state, municipal, academic, business, and private organizations that work together with the communities of the Barnegat Bay watershed to help restore, protect, and enhance the water quality and natural resources of the Barnegat Bay and its watershed.

The Barnegat Bay is roughly 75 square miles in Ocean County, New Jersey, and the watershed, which spans over 600 square miles, is home to over 560,000 people. The bay supports one of the most valuable economies of any estuary in the nation. It is an ecological treasure that supports a diverse $4 billion per year economy based on good jobs in tourism, fishing, recreation, industry, health care, and water resources.

The Barnegat Bay Partnership and its partners developed an ecosystem-based management approach to manage the water quality, water supply, living resources, and land use in the estuary. Barnegat Bay Partnership is committed to identifying priority corrective actions and timelines addressing point and nonpoint source pollution to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the estuary.

What is the Barnegat Bay Partnership?

Create Your Jersey-Friendly Yard

Transform your outdoor space into a Jersey-Friendly Yard! Discover eco-friendly landscaping practices and get certified to show your commitment to a healthier environment.

Start Your Certification Journey

Feel free to reach out to us directly to learn more about our work

Explore the impactful initiatives that are shaping the future of environmental conservation and protection.

Get in touch
Address
Ocean County College,
1 College Drive,
Toms River, NJ, 08754
Phone
732-255-0400