10th Annual Open House Event For The Preservation Of Shellfish In Barnegat Bay, Seeking Volunteers

In a collaborative effort, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Ocean County, and NJCEP Bureau of Shellfisheries are hosting an Open House for the Barnegat Bay Shellfish Restoration Program (BBSRP). The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th at 7 p.m.

This year marks the beginning of a teaching nursery specializing in the Bay Scallops, another shellfish once very common in Barnegat Bay. The purpose is to learn more about them so they also may be raised in nurseries and eventually released.

In addition, another new teaching nursery on Long Beach Island will be opened this year. Resident volunteers are needed for these nurseries to grow clams and oysters for the Long Beach Island waters. BBSRP and ReClam the Bay are seeking people interested in helping the preservation efforts thrive.

The Barnegat Bay Shellfish Restoration Program enters its 10th year of education and volunteering. Each year, BBSRP and the ReClam the Bay volunteers raise over 1 million clams and 300,000 oysters for eventual release in Barnegat Bay.

The Open House also aims to get connected with people who have an array of experience, including teaching, public relations, and computer skills, to help with their educational outreach programs. These programs get involved with local schools to educate a broader audience on the importance of the reclaming efforts.

The event will be held at 1623 Whitesville Road, Toms River. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension office at 732.349.1152. Visit here for more information on ReClam the Bay.