Fossil oysters in concretion matrix. Cast of shells preserved in coal-like shale. One such reef, the Shrewsbury Reef, offshore form Seabright, NJ was one such reef where an abundance of encrusting coral on submerged rocky outcrops probably had a similar appearance to more tropical reefs. Earbone of an swimming mammal, probably a small whale. Large fish and mammal vertebrae.
Modern bone can turn black fairly quickly.
Some display scratching typical of primative tool cutting. These may have been derived from indian settlements that are now offshore. Although scarce, these creature do visit the NY harbor area on occasion. For more information about NY Bight area fossils look at the Bibliography .