Giving the Bay a Voice
Donate

SBB Wins

Protecting Barnegat Bay, One Victory at a Time

The threats facing Barnegat Bay and its surrounding natural areas are vast—but so are the victories we’ve achieved in protecting them. For 53 years, Save Barnegat Bay has leveraged our grassroots connection to the community to tackle these challenges head-on. Together, we’ve accomplished some truly incredible wins for Barnegat Bay and its watershed. Here are a few recent highlights:

Jellyfish? Oh My!

In a groundbreaking pilot study, Save Barnegat Bay partnered with the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue team and Montclair State University to combat the invasive Bay Nettle jellyfish in Barnegat Bay.

For three years, our team worked tirelessly with community volunteers to scrub floating docks and bulkheads, removing jellyfish polyps (an early stage in their life cycle) to help reduce their population.

After hundreds of hours of effort, we now have scientific proof that scrubbing is an effective method to control this nuisance species. This success couldn’t have been achieved without the dedication of our partners and supporters. Learn More About This Project

A Sediment Success!

For nearly two decades, Save Barnegat Bay joined forces with neighbors in Eagleswood to challenge the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the NJ Department of Transportation (DOT) over an illegal dredge material facility constructed on protected wetlands.

This facility, built without valid permits, dumped tons of dredge material onto marshland near the Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge. After years of persistence, the Superior Court of NJ ruled in our favor, declaring that the DEP violated state environmental laws in issuing permits for this facility.

While there’s more work to do, this is a critical step toward securing a Barnegat Bay Sediment Management Plan that prioritizes clean dredge material for marsh restoration projects.

Land Protected!

For nearly a decade, Save Barnegat Bay has worked with Six Flags Great Adventure and environmental partners to ensure the park’s transition to 100% solar power doesn’t come at the cost of nearby natural spaces.

We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone: a voluntary land protection agreement, or conservation easement, with Six Flags. This agreement safeguards critical natural areas that support diverse wildlife and protect the headwaters of the Toms River.

Our first evaluation of the site confirms that nature is thriving, and we couldn’t be more proud. Read More About This Achievement

Your Support Makes This Possible

None of these victories would be possible without you. With your help, we know that nothing is impossible for Barnegat Bay.

Want to keep this momentum going? Consider donating to support our mission today. Every contribution helps us make a brighter, healthier future for Barnegat Bay a reality. Donate Now

Alexandra Sellitsch

Alex is 27 years old and is an aspiring marine biologist who is finishing up her junior year at Stockton University. Growing up by the beach has made a significant impact on Alex’s life, which has influenced her passion for the ocean. She is an advocate for elasmobranch conservation, and enjoys getting her hands dirty in research. Alex is currently an intern with Barnegat Bay, researching pathogen influences in the bay’s water. She is also an active intern partnering with one of her professors, who is researching dual seagrass habitats in the Mullica River-Great Bay Estuary. In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time at the beach and teaching herserself new hobbies. Hobbies that include roller skating, and surfing. Alex is also volunteering with the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Team, and is in the process of obtaining her SCUBA certification.