NJ Reopens Shellfish Beds Along Southern Coast

New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection says it will reopen shellfish beds along the southern New Jersey coastline.

Commissioner Bob Martin on Wednesday signed an order reopening the beds from Little Egg Inlet south to Cape May Point. They had been closed since Superstorm Sandy hit the state on Oct. 29.

The DEP has been monitoring the waters for contamination from bacteria or viruses.

The DEP will extend the Delaware Bay oyster harvest season until Nov. 30 or until the annual quota is reached. Commercial oyster harvesting will be allowed on Saturday to help the industry make up for losses from Sandy.

Shellfish beds north of Little Egg Inlet remain closed, as are beds in the Raritan Bay-Sandy Hook area and in Barnegat Bay.

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