The Jersey Shore is the jewel of the Garden State. Its expansive beaches, sandy marshes, barrier islands and inland bays offer a much-needed escape from our hectic lives. It also provides a haven for an amazing array of wildlife -- from the piping plover, to the diamond back turtle, to the blue crab.

But now, our shore faces a grave threat. Pollution from reckless overdevelopment is choking the life out of our rich coastal waters. If we don't act soon, future generations could lose the opportunity to enjoy this special place.

The last time the Jersey Shore faced a threat this big, citizens demanded action, and state leaders adopted tougher policies to solve the problem. We can do it again.

We're calling on our leaders to pass smarter, tougher policies to limit irresponsible development and keep our waters safe from pollution. Take action.

The Jersey Shore is New Jersey’s playground, and one of the things that makes  our state special. The shore’s expansive beaches, sandy marshes, barrier islands, and inland bays and inlets, let us escape from hectic life in New Jersey. It’s also a haven for an amazing array of wildlife from the piping plover, to the diamond back turtle, to scores of fish and shellfish including flounder, blue crab, and striped bass.

The US EPA considers our coast one of the nation’s most ecologically significant coastal areas—and one of the most threatened. Reckless development along the shore is polluting its waters, and threatens to rob future generations of the opportunity to enjoy this special place. 

Scientists have documented the direct correlation between the amount of development in a watershed, and declines in water quality. Run-off pollution from excessive development at the Shore travels over land, picking up nutrients and land based contaminants and depositing them in our ocean, bays and the rivers that flow directly into them. The excessive nutrients depositing into our coastal waters trigger excessive algae blooms, which feed bacteria and make waters less healthy to swim in. And, the pollution robs the water of the oxygen needed to support the healthy growth of marine life. That’s why many species found in the waters off of the Jersey Shore are in decline, especially hard clams and mussels, as well as smaller fish that provide a food source to birds and other animals that depend on our shore area ecosystem.   

Last summer the Senate and Assembly Environment Committees held a joint hearing in Ocean Township to hear more about the threats facing the Jersey Shore. Over 48 fishermen, scientists, environmentalists, citizens and local officials talked about the high environmental and economic value of the Shore, and the need to act quickly to stop its degradation.

Throughout the fall, members of the Committees meet with groups and individuals who want to protect the Shore. Using that input these legislators are now crafting legislation to tackle its problems comprehensively. The bills, expected to be considered early this spring, will include policies to limit excessive storm water in the watershed surrounding the Jersey Shore as well as policies to rein in environmentally irresponsible development.   

Tell Your State legislators to support a strong plan to protect the shore and stop coastal water pollution.

The Shore is at grave risk. Reckless development along the shore is polluting our ocean and bays and threatening to rob future generations from enjoying this special place.

We need our state leaders to pass smarter, tougher policies to protect the shore and stop coastal pollution.

Contact your state legislators today. By taking action, we can be sure future generations will continue to enjoy the shore as much as we do today.

Click here to Take Action.