Greta Jimenez
Great Egg Harbor Bay, a bay between Atlantic and Cape May counties in southern New Jersey, has faced several environmental challenges over the years. With a total area of 8.5 square miles and a depth ranging from shallow waters in Peck Bay to a 33-foot deep channel, the bay is an important habitat for a diverse range of species. However, the impact of human activity and urbanization has led to concerns about water quality and the ecological preservation of the bay. The primary source of pollution is nonpoint source pollution from stormwater runoff, which has degraded the water quality in the watershed. To address these issues, various initiatives and organizations are working towards protecting and improving the water quality and natural habitats of Great Egg Harbor Bay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Atlantic and Cape May counties along the southern New Jersey coast |
| Area | 8.5 sq mi (22 km2) |
| Depth | 3.3 ft (1 m) to 33 ft (10 m) |
| Water Quality Issues | Nonpoint source pollution from stormwater runoff, outdated stormwater management, groundwater transfer |
| Preservation Efforts | Over 127,000 acres of preserved open space in the watershed, initiatives for open space preservation, and promotion of green infrastructure projects |
| Wildlife | Shellfish, mussels, barnacles, amphipods, mysids, worms, algae, seagrasses, hard clams, oysters, 32 species of fish, bird species, turtles, peregrine falcon, southern bald eagle, northern harrier, Pine Barrens tree frog |
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What You'll Learn
Stormwater runoff
Great Egg Harbor Bay, located between Atlantic and Cape May counties along the southern New Jersey coast, is a diverse and ecologically rich habitat. The bay is fed by the Great Egg Harbor River and its 17 tributaries, and it offers a home to a variety of species, including invertebrates, fish, turtles, and birds.
However, the bay's water quality is threatened by several factors, one of the key issues being stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff occurs when rainwater or snowmelt, referred to as stormwater, flows over developed land, picking up pollutants along the way. This polluted water then rushes into nearby storm drains and, eventually, into rivers and bays.
In the case of Great Egg Harbor Bay, stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to water degradation. The headwaters of the Great Egg Harbor Watershed are heavily urbanized, and the outdated stormwater management systems in these areas struggle to effectively handle the runoff. As a result, pollutants from the stormwater end up in the bay, negatively impacting its water quality.
To address the issue of stormwater runoff, a combination of strategies is necessary. At the individual level, residents can play a crucial role by adopting practices such as properly maintaining their vehicles, recycling used fluids, and refraining from dumping pollutants into storm drains. Communities can also implement green infrastructure projects, such as permeable pavements and green roofs, to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff and provide habitat for wildlife. Additionally, local councils and governments can invest in quantifying and addressing impervious surfaces, promoting rainwater infiltration, and enforcing regulations to minimize nonpoint source pollution.
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Nonpoint source pollution
Great Egg Harbor Bay, located between Atlantic and Cape May counties along the southern New Jersey coast, is a diverse ecosystem that provides a habitat for a variety of species. The bay, with a total area of 8.5 square miles (22 square kilometres), is known for its depth variations, ranging from shallow waters in the southern extension, known as Peck Bay, to a deep channel measuring 33 feet (10 metres). The Great Egg Harbor River, along with its numerous tributaries, empties into the bay, contributing to its ecological significance.
However, the bay faces environmental challenges, particularly concerning water quality. Nonpoint source pollution, primarily from stormwater runoff, is a significant issue affecting the Great Egg Harbor Watershed. This type of pollution arises from a variety of sources and activities within the watershed, and it does not originate from a single discharge point. Nonpoint source pollution is caused by stormwater runoff carrying pollutants from various land surfaces, such as roads, agricultural fields, and urban areas, into the bay.
The GEH River Council employs advanced GIS data analysis to pinpoint nonpoint source pollution sources and address water quality issues. Their efforts include promoting the EPA's municipal separate stormwater systems rules (MS4s), providing education on nonpoint source pollution prevention, and investing in initiatives to reduce impervious surfaces and promote green infrastructure projects. These measures aim to enhance rainwater infiltration and protect the Great Egg Harbor Watershed's water quality.
To maintain the health of the bay and its surrounding ecosystems, it is crucial to address nonpoint source pollution. This involves implementing stringent land and water management practices, such as establishing standards for stormwater management, encouraging innovative wastewater treatment techniques, and discouraging the use of pollutants like lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. By taking these comprehensive approaches, the goal is to reduce the impact of nonpoint source pollution on the delicate balance of Great Egg Harbor Bay and its diverse flora and fauna.
The bay's ecological significance is evident in its role as a habitat for a variety of species, including invertebrates such as mussels, barnacles, amphipods, mysids, and worms. It also serves as breeding grounds for hard clams and oysters, and supports a diverse population of fish, birds, and turtles, including the endangered Leatherback sea turtle. Protecting the bay's water quality is essential for preserving the delicate balance of this ecosystem and ensuring the survival of the species that depend on it.
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Wildlife and biodiversity
Great Egg Harbor Bay, located between Atlantic and Cape May counties along the southern New Jersey coast, is an area rich in biodiversity. The bay, formed by the Great Egg Harbor River and its many tributaries, provides a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including invertebrates, fish, birds, and even endangered species such as the leatherback sea turtle.
The bay's soft-bottomed channels, a result of silt deposition, create an ideal environment for shellfish, with mussels, barnacles, amphipods, mysids, and worms also calling these waters home. Algae and seagrasses thrive in the shallower waters, where sunlight can reach the bottom. The bay is also a breeding ground for hard clams and oysters, with the latter being of commercial importance. Six species of fish use the bay as spawning grounds, and in total, 32 species of fish have been recorded in the bay.
The waters and adjacent marshlands are crucial for birds, serving as breeding grounds for numerous species. Cowpens Island, located within the bay, is a designated bird sanctuary and a heron rookery. The region is recognized as one of the top 20 migratory bird locations in the country.
The Great Egg Harbor River and its tributaries also provide critical habitat for anadromous fish, such as striped bass and alewife herring, which return from the ocean each year to spawn in the gravel-bottomed tributaries. The river serves as a nursery for these fish, ensuring the continuation of their populations. The river and its surrounding wetlands are also a habitat for the peregrine falcon and the southern bald eagle, which uses the area as a wintering ground.
The Great Egg Harbor Watershed is a priority for conservation efforts. More than 127,000 acres of open space have been preserved, and initiatives to protect water quality and natural habitats are ongoing. The Wild and Scenic Designation process has been instrumental in ensuring the protection of this diverse and ecologically significant area.
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Human activity
Great Egg Harbor Bay, located between Atlantic and Cape May counties along the southern New Jersey coast, is a popular site for human activity due to its natural beauty and proximity to urban centres. The bay offers opportunities for recreation, including boating, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. The Great Egg Harbor River, which flows into the bay, is the largest canoeing river in the Pine Barrens and is also used for swimming. The river and its tributaries serve as critical habitats and spawning grounds for various fish species, and the bay itself is a breeding ground for hard clams and oysters.
However, human activity has also had a detrimental impact on the bay. The surrounding area has been heavily urbanized, and outdated stormwater management systems can lead to nonpoint source pollution, which is the main cause of water quality degradation in the watershed. To address these issues, local organisations such as the GEH River Council and the PHWA are working to improve stormwater management and reduce pollution. They employ tools such as GIS data analysis to pinpoint pollution sources and promote green infrastructure projects to improve rainwater infiltration.
The bay and its surrounding areas have a long history of human occupation, dating back to the Leni-Lenape people who traditionally lived in the region before European occupation in the early 1700s. During the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates and boaters used the bay as a refuge, and shipyards were established along its shores to support the shipbuilding industry. In more recent times, the development of nearby cities like Ocean City and the establishment of transportation routes, such as the Atlantic City and Shore Railroad, have increased human activity in the region.
To protect the bay and its ecosystem, there is a continuous effort to monitor and improve water quality. The Wild and Scenic Designation process has resulted in the preservation of over 127,000 acres of open space in the watershed, and initiatives to promote the adoption of municipal separate stormwater systems (MS4s) and green infrastructure are ongoing. These efforts aim to reduce pollution, enhance water quality, and preserve the natural habitats that support a diverse range of plant and animal species in the Great Egg Harbor Bay region.
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Water quality management
Great Egg Harbor Bay is a bay between Atlantic and Cape May counties along the southern New Jersey coast. The bay has a total area of 8.5 sq mi (22 km2) and a depth range of 3.3 ft (1 m) to 33 ft (10 m). The Great Egg Harbor River and its 17 tributaries drain into the bay, providing seasonal and year-round habitats for various species, including fish, shellfish, birds, and rare plants.
- Protection of Natural Open Spaces: Permanent protection of natural open spaces is a critical tool in the GEH watershed for maintaining water quality and habitat health. More than 127,000 acres of preserved open space exist in the watershed, with ongoing initiatives for further preservation.
- Addressing Land Use Issues: The GEH River Council employs GIS data analysis to identify nonpoint source pollution sources, locate failing stormwater management measures, and find potential additions to open spaces. They also promote the EPA's municipal separate stormwater systems rules (MS4s) and provide education on nonpoint source pollution prevention.
- Improving Stormwater Infiltration: Efforts are made to improve the performance of stormwater infiltration and reduce nonpoint source pollution upstream, which helps protect water quality downstream.
- Monitoring and Advocacy: The establishment of the GEH River Council ensures continuous monitoring of federal and state water quality measurement and protection. They also provide supplemental monitoring, analysis, investment, and advocacy to reduce pollution and enhance water quality protection.
- Wastewater Management: Strict land and water management measures are encouraged, including the development of innovative techniques in wastewater management. Discharging wastewater into pristine surface waters and lakes is prohibited.
- Pollution Prevention: Best practices include discouraging the use of lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in the watershed to limit point and nonpoint source pollution into the mainstem and tributaries, especially in urban and agricultural areas.
- Riparian Buffer Preservation: Natural riparian and floodplain vegetation along streams and around lakes are preserved to act as buffers and filters, helping to improve water quality by trapping sediments, nutrients, and pollutants before they reach the bay.
- Green Infrastructure Promotion: The River Council has invested in quantifying and locating impervious surfaces and promoting green infrastructure projects at the top of the watershed to increase rainwater infiltration and reduce stormwater runoff.
These water quality management strategies are essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of Great Egg Harbor Bay and the surrounding ecosystems, ensuring the protection and survival of the diverse plant and animal species that call this place home.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Great Egg Harbor Bay is polluted. Nonpoint source pollution from stormwater runoff is the main cause of degradation to water quality in the bay.
The main cause of pollution in the bay is nonpoint source pollution from stormwater runoff.
The GEH River Council employs in-house GIS data analysis to pinpoint sources of nonpoint source pollution and direct stormwater discharges to surface waters. The council also promotes the EPA's municipal separate stormwater systems rules (MS4s) and provides education on nonpoint source pollution prevention.
