The Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program

The Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP)
is one of 28 Congressionally designated National Estuary Programs throughout the United States working to improve the health of nationally significant estuaries. The program is sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and Ocean County College.

Mission Statement In cooperation with our community, BBNEP is committed to action to restore, maintain, protect, and enhance the natural resources of the Barnegat Bay estuary and its contributing watershed through the 21st century.

Blue Crab Tagging Project: be on the lookout for crabs with pink or blue metal tags! Find out what information to record if you catch one, how to report it, and how to claim your reward by visiting the project's website.

BBNEP Public Participation and Education Minigrant Project In the News: "Horticulturalists learn key to creating beautiful, low-maintenance gardens" -- click here to read full Asbury Park Press article

Alert: Chinese Mitten Crab found in Barnegat Bay -- learn more about this invasive invertebrate and what to do if you find one.

News from "The Jellyfish Jam" -- Changing conditions in Barnegat Bay have likely made