About Revisions Shark River Artifcial Reef NJ More Info Entry Type: Boat Bottom Composition: Rock Aquatic Life: Might See Something Spring: 56-60°F/13-16°C Summer: 66-70°F/19-21°C Fall: 50-55°F/10-13°C Winter: Under 50°F/10°C 11/24/2014 5:43 AM LatitudeAdjustment 11/24/2014 5:42 AM LatitudeAdjustment

November 19, 2014

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is notifying boaters, recreational and commercial fishermen and divers that thirty-six thousand cubic yards of dredge rock obtained from the Port Authority of NY & NJ, Howland Hook Marine Terminal Berth Deepening Project, will be deployed on the Shark River Reef Site beginning November 24 through December 31, 2014. The shale rock will be transported to the site and deployed by hopper scow at predetermined locations.
In total, 10 hopper scow loads of rock will be deployed on the reef site as part of the division’s Artificial Reef Program.

During construction, tugs will be pulling large barges of shale bedrock. Work on the site will be continuous so boaters must constantly be aware of the reduced maneuverability of these tugs and allow them the right-of-way.

Adding rock to the ocean floor provides much needed hard-structure habitat for fish, lobster and other marine life. The rocky ridges will become attachment surfaces for invertebrate marine life, such as mussels, barnacles, sponges and anemones, and will provide hiding places for bottom-dwelling species like sea bass, blackfish, crab and lobster. The shale rock ridges will create productive fishing grounds for centuries to come.

The Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) coordinates of the Shark River Reef Site corners are as follows:

NE 40 07.330’ 73 41.080’
NW 40 07.330’ 73 41.800’
SE 39 40.200’ 73 41.080’
SW 40 06.200’ 73 41.800’