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BARNEGAT BAY ESTUARY ASSESSMENT - A PROJECT UNDER THE REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (REMAP)
Impact/Purpose:
To statistically characterize the biological and chemical condition of the Barnegat Bay Estuary and relate condition to land use. A secondary objective will examine the biological and chemical quality of marinas in the Estuary and compare them to the Bay proper.
Description:
The Barnegat Bay Estuary is an area of concentrated population and recreational use. Because of its ecological as well as economic value to the state, it has been designated as a National Estuary of Concern. A Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) has been developed to address the threats to this Estuary, principally pathogens, nutrients, sediments and habitat loss/alteration. The CCMP identifies management actions that are expected to conserve the resources of the Estuary. The REMAP investigation will provide a baseline of biological and chemical information, against which progress of these management actions can be measured. In addition it will identify land use practices, including the contribution of the large number of marinas, that may affect conditions in the Estuary. The statistical design, sampling and laboratory methods and data analysis/interpretation techniques for this project have all been peer reviewed.