Barnegat Bay Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Point Pleasant Ecologically Sensitive Areas Beach

rs88 Forge Point Bay are locations in Barnegat Bay Pond Pleasant Head Park where unique submerged Brick aquatic vegetation, such as Mantoloking eel grass, and wildlife are

found. These areas provide IJ549 shelter and feeding grounds Toms River 1 NW for numerous species Cattus Point Island Island

IJ571 including shellfish, crabs, fish Mosquito Lavallette Cove

and shorebirds. Boats and rs37 Seaside Island Heights Heights personal watercraft can Pine Beachwood Beach Ocean Seaside cause harm in these areas by Gate Park Good Luck Point [£9 damaging the submerged Berkeley aquatic vegetation and

disrupting aquatic habitats. Cedar Island Creek Beach Park North

Lacey

Island Beach South

Ocean

Sedge

Islands Barnegat Light

Barnegat Light Barnegat Long Beach North Long Beach

MANAHAWKIN Forsythe WMA North Legend Harvey Cedars Channel

MANAHAWKIN Intracoastal Waterway WMA Long Forsythe Boat Scars Beach South Rivers & Streams Surf City Eagleswood Municipal Boundary Ship County Boundary [£9 Bottom Ship Barnegat Bay Watershed Mngmt. Area Bottom Little Egg Harbor Ecologically Sensitive Area Egg Island NJDEP LU / LC - Urban

Long Long Beach Beach 1 Subacquatic Vegetation Density Tuckerton Long High Beach 2 Medium Low Long Beach Beach 3 Haven Open Space State Open Space Story Islands Natural Lands Trust Open Space East BOULEVARD Story County & Municipal Open Space WMA Islands Long West Nonprofit Open Space Beach Long Federal Lands Beach South 01230.5 Miles USFWS - Edwin B. Forsythe Military

This map was designed for informational purposes only and should not be used for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Tips for Clean and Green Boating in Barnegat Bay

Barnegat Bay is a home for plants, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, birds, other types of wildlife and people. Salt marshes and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), such as eelgrass, provide nurseries, shelter and feeding grounds for wildlife. This shallow tidal water system is also a playground for recreational activities, such as boating. Motorboat propellers crossing through SAV beds can cut SAV leaves, scar SAV beds, and harm marine life. Also, turbulence caused by propeller wash can erode shorelines and disturb nesting shorebirds.

To help keep the Bay vibrant and healthy for all of its residents, please take these actions when you are on the water using a boat (motorized or un-motorized) or personal watercraft.

• Stay out of restricted areas set aside for wildlife. Do not harass nesting birds and other animals.

• Buoy mooring chains and lines to prevent them from scraping on the Bay bottom and harming submerged aquatic vegetation and animals.

• Use pump-out boats and facilities. Do not discharge wastewater holding tanks into open water.

• Maintain 100’ distance (about the length of six cars) from natural shorelines, Bay islands and sensitive ecological areas, and use marked navigational channels for travel.

• Minimize wakes in all shallow areas to help reduce erosion and harm to aquatic plants and animals.

• Appreciate wildlife from a distance.

• Help reduce air by cutting the engine and not idling in open water.

• Keep trash, recyclables, hooks and lures in secure containers and dispose of them properly on land. Recycle used monofilament fishing lines instead of throwing them away.

• Avoid giving invasive aquatic plants and animals a ride. Thoroughly clean boats, personal watercraft and equipment when transferring them from one water body to another.

• Keep the engine leak-free and well-tuned in order to minimize the discharge of fuel and oil into the water. Use a pillow or oil absorbent pad in the bilge to absorb any spilled oil.

To learn more about the Governor’s Action Plan for Barnegat Bay go to: www.barnegatbay.nj.gov