Rally for the Two Rivers

08/08/2025

Shellfish Classification Suspension Update shared by NJDEP:

"The Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring (BMWM) classifies shellfish growing waters to ensure water quality is suitable for the harvest of shellfish to protect the public from health risks associated with the consumption of raw shellfish. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:12-1.4(b), eleven locations (listed below) are hereby suspended to shellfish harvest in order to protect the public health from the risk posed by the consumption of shellfish that may have been subjected to pollution or other conditions that may render the shellfish dangerous to health. The suspensions remain in effect until the waters return to their current classification (based on additional monitoring) or formal rulemaking to change the classification.

Raritan Bay (945 acres)
Navesink River (10.7 acres)
Crabtown Creek (4.0 acres)
Kettle Creek (172.2 Acres)
Normandy Beach (163.8 Acres)
Barnegat Bay (121.8 acres)
Mullica River (1876 acres)
Absecon Bay (894 acres)
Absecon Creek (25.1 acres)
Great Egg Harbor Bay (8.3 acres)
Holmes Cove (87.9 acres)

In addition, two previously issued suspensions are being lifted. On March 2, 2023, the BMWM suspended harvest of shellfish from the Approved waters of Little Egg Harbor-Channel Cove to Mud Cove (175.2 acres) and the Restricted waters of Double Creek (52.7 acres) pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:12-1.4(b). Through water quality monitoring, the BMWM determined that these areas now meet the standards for the previous classifications in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:12-1.3. The previous suspension is hereby rescinded, and the affected waters are returned to their prior classification.

There are no commercial shellfish leases in any of these areas.

Please see https://dep.nj.gov/wms/bmw/news/."

08/06/2025

Interested in hearing our latest water quality update for the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers? Join us next Monday!

Use the RSVP link below to register to attend.

Rally for the Two Rivers- August Public Meeting

📅When: Monday, August 11, 2025

⌚️Event time: 5:30 to 7pm

📍Where: 49 Avenel Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740

RTR will be hosting a public meeting on August 11th from 5:30 to 7pm at Clean Ocean Action’s office to share water quality updates from throughout the watershed including speakers from NJDEP’s Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring, COA’s Water Quality Research Director, and Monmouth County Health Department.

Register to attend here: https://forms.gle/mhcNekDdGBQnwqr9A

08/05/2025

🌊 Join the Movement, Get the Recognition
When businesses participate in Savor the Shore, you’ll receive:
✔️ Social media shout-outs
✔️ Posters, postcards & coasters
✔️ A custom plaque (Levels 2 & 3)
✔️ A tax-deductible receipt

Your support doesn’t go unnoticed - it goes viral 💙
See link in bio or go to CleanOceanAction.org/shore for more info!

08/05/2025

🦌NJDEP’s Fish and Wildlife division is seeking to collect citizen reports on deer sightings to investigate potential disease outbreaks. Please review the full directions of the survey before filling out a report.

📷It is encouraged that citizens share photos and videos with their submissions.

Access the survey through this link:

Deer Disease Reporting Form

08/05/2025

📢Attention all Monmouth County High School Students!

🌿Interested in becoming an environmental advocate? Appy by Oct 1st to Clean Ocean Action's S.E.A.L program to learn more about how you can protect your environment and waterways!

07/29/2025

Save the date for Clean Ocean Action's special soirée! 🌅

🌊 Mark your calendars for a super Soiree to celebrate 40 years of cleaner beaches and special honorees! Details to come shortly!

07/28/2025

Rally for the Two Rivers- August Public Meeting

📅When: Monday, August 11, 2025

⌚️Event time: 5:30 to 7pm

📍Where: 49 Avenel Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740

RTR will be hosting a public meeting on August 11th from 5:30 to 7pm at Clean Ocean Action’s office to share water quality updates from throughout the watershed including speakers from NJDEP’s Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring, COA’s Water Quality Research Director, and Monmouth County Health Department.

Register to attend here: https://forms.gle/mhcNekDdGBQnwqr9A

07/23/2025

📢Calling all Monmouth County Residents: A great reminder that county wide Styrofoam recycling is available at the Middletown Recycling hub! *Be sure to fully clean all Styrofoam before depositing it at the recycling center to ensure it is accepted!

Did you know that S T Y R O F O A M can't recycled curbside, *but* it can be dropped off in Middletown?

When recycling cardboard, please remove any styrofoam from it, and then bring that styrofoam to the Middletown Recycling Center (52 Kanes Lane) or the Middletown Train Station.

07/17/2025

📸 Volunteer Spotlight: Jeff



Today we are giving a shout out to our longtime volunteer Jeff! He has been an integral volunteer of the RTR program since initially participating in water quality sampling when the program was known as the “Rally for the Navesink”. Jeff volunteers to support sampling in both the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers in addition to volunteering with many organizations supporting those in need throughout Monmouth County. He is also known to occasionally bring delicious homemade treats for everyone to enjoy. We’d love to give Jeff a round of applause for all he does for the community!

Interested in joining our volunteer crew? Reach out to programs@cleanoceanaction.org

07/16/2025

🔬 It’s Water Quality Wednesday! 🦠


What goes up, always comes down (stream).

This week’s WQW is focusing on physical pollutants otherwise known as litter or marine debris. Fallen and misplaced debris often end up on our sidewalks and streets. After large rainfalls, pollutants are carried into the closest storm drain or basin. They then travel through our storm drain systems beneath our roads and land where they are deposited into our rivers and ocean through large outfalls.

🍴Do your part in celebrating plastic free July and use reusable alternatives instead of single use plastic options.

♻️Always keep the lids of your trash and recycling receptacles closed to prevent accidental littering.

🧼Keep our storm drains clear of debris and volunteer to clean and remove trapped litter in nearby basins.

Have a topic suggestion for the next Water Quality Wednesday? Email programs@cleanoceanaction.org!