The New York/New Jersey (NY/NJ) Harbor system has been impacted by over 100 years of industrial and human population growth. It has a watershed that encompasses over 42,000 km, portions of 5 states and a population of over 20 million people. As one of the most heavily utilized shipping ports on the east coast, it also has considerable refining and manufacturing industry. Sources of contaminants in the Harbor include municipal and industrial discharges, atmospheric inputs, non-point source runoff, hazardous waste sites, landfills, combined sewer overflows and accidental spills. Many of the contaminants present in these sources find their way into the sediments of the Harbor. Despite substantial perturbations, the NY/NJ Harbor system still is an essential economic, recreational, and aesthetic resource. Some commercial fishing for clams, crabs and menhaden still exists, although it is not as extensive as it was historically. A large recreational fishery still remains. The Harbor environs are also important resting and feeding areas for migrating birds and provide habitat for local birds.