Originally not an island, Clam Cove was once a marsh peninsula off the Holgate section of Long Beach Township in Little Egg Harbor Bay. Over the years, erosion slowly created a shortcut through the peninsula and into the cove, what many know today as “the cut.” This change happened partly because the local ecology couldn’t keep up with our ever-changing environment.
Species like the Atlantic Ribbed Mussel and Spartina alterniflora (the common marsh grass) play a big role in holding the island together by using their sticky threads and roots to bind sediment. Unfortunately, these important species have been struggling to survive as temperatures rise and water levels increase.
After years of research and planning, we’re excited to share that the Clam Cove Restoration Project is officially underway! On November 5, 2025, several Long Beach Township departments teamed up with Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute to start placing Oyster Castles off the coast of Clam Cove. This framework will then be filled with our recycled oyster shells to stabilize the eroding shoreline.
The long term strategy is to put a series of oyster reefs along that shoreline to build back the lost marsh and recruit new oysters and build critical habitat at the site. This will become model for the other bay islands off of the township.
What are Oyster Castles?
They’re large concrete blocks designed to help oyster spat settle and grow, creating reefs that support other marine life and strengthen our shorelines. Even better, this project uses an estimated 146 tons of recycled shells collected through our Shell Recycling Program, a true community effort! Big Thank You to our local restaurant partners.
This important work is funded by two NFWF Grants, a donation from New Jersey Resources through Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute, and a contribution from the New Jersey Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership. It’s just the first step in a multi-phase effort to protect our bay islands and restore vital habitat for the species that call our bays home.
Websites with more information about the project and partners.
