Its watershed, the area from which all of the water draining into the Bay comes, encompasses nearly all 660 square miles of Ocean County. Ironically, the very success of the Bay is threatening its future. Development has increased the volume of polluted runoff contaminated with diluted chemicals, pathogens and fertilizers that impair water quality. Recreational craft have damaged eel grass beds that provide food and habitat for crabs and other shellfish, seahorses, juvenile fish and wintering waterfowl. Under this program, EPA provides funding and staffing, which is augmented by state and local government resources, and works cooperatively with state and local entities to first assess, then alleviate environmental problems of a particular estuary.
Institute controls for management of water demand and water conservation.
Eliminate the discharge of boat sewage into the Bay by promoting pump out facilities. Apply to EPA for No Discharge Zone designation for Barnegat Bay. Conduct a Barnegat Bay ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study. Provide education and technical training to local government officials and other coastal decision-makers in the Barnegat Bay watershed. Work with willing sellers on public acquisition of critical natural land.