The Jersey Shore and NJ Lakes Are Ready for Summer!

Jersey Shore and Lakes Greet Summer: Pristine Water Quality and New Technological Advancements Announced; Annual State of the Shore event unveils sparkling water quality and a new robotic boat for monitoring lake health, ensuring a stellar summer season.

New Jersey's beaches and lakefronts are all set to welcome the summer season, according to New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. The announcement came during the annual State of the Shore event in Asbury Park, where Commissioner LaTourette presented a favorable review of ongoing water quality monitoring, revealing ocean water quality as excellent going into the holiday weekend.

"Our coastal beaches, lakes, and state parks are geared up for the crucial summer tourism season," Commissioner LaTourette declared. "The DEP, along with our local partners, has diligently prepared for the season to ensure a safe and carefree summer for residents and visitors alike."

Each year, the State of the Shore event serves as a platform for public updates on beach readiness and coastal water quality. The event, sponsored by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, marks the start of a traditional Jersey summer.

Executive Director of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, Dr. Peter Rowe, lauded the work of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and underscored the ecological and economic significance of the beaches for locals and tourists alike.

The DEP also exhibited a strong commitment to safeguarding the lake communities in northern New Jersey. This past weekend, Commissioner LaTourette and Assistant Commissioner of Watershed and Land Management Katrina Angarone unveiled a new robotic boat at a Lake Hopatcong Foundation block party. This innovative vessel will collect water quality data, fortifying the DEP's commitment to lake communities.

Kyle Richter, Executive Director of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, highlighted the importance of clean, clear water for summer activities in New Jersey's numerous freshwater lakes, and the role of the NJDEP in implementing water quality projects.

During the Asbury Park event, Dr. Jon K. Miller, Sea Grant Coastal Processes Specialist, gave an optimistic overview of beach conditions, crediting a mild winter and persistent state and federal efforts to maintain the beaches.

The state's ongoing work to enhance coastal resilience amid escalating climate change impacts was also highlighted. The Sea Grant Consortium report emphasized the crucial role of natural landscape features, including beaches, dunes, maritime forests, and coastal wetlands in achieving resilience.

The DEP, in association with the U.S. Army Corps, has completed significant beach renourishment projects and will soon conclude another $43 million project in Avalon and Stone Harbor. Governor Murphy's administration is also actively progressing on storm protection initiatives, including dune and beach construction and nourishment projects.

The DEP collaborates with local health agencies to conduct weekly bacterial water sampling from mid-May to September as part of its Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program. Daily coastline flights also check for any water quality issues. Information about beach status and water quality can be accessed at njbeaches.org.

The 2022 season monitored water quality at 220 locations, with one ocean beach and one bay beach briefly closed due to bacterial standard exceedances. With these rigorous measures in place, New Jersey is ready to offer visitors a fantastic summer by the shore or the lake.