What Lives in the Bay?

Northern Puffers, Lined Seahorses, juvenile Bluefish, or Bay Anchovies. Which of these fish do you think may be found in the water at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth? The answer is all of them!

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from June 25 through August 24, 11am–12:00noon, Park System Naturalists provide visitors with a free seining program at Bayshore Waterfront Park. Visitors have the opportunity to discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other remarkable creatures of the bay that live in shallow waters. This is one of the best ways to learn about the diversity of aquatic life in Sandy Hook Bay. Park System Naturalists pull a long net through the water to try to catch fish, crabs, and anything else that lives along the shallow edge of the bay.

Visitors who partake in our free seining not only have fun seeing what interesting life lives in the bay, but many have a good time holding different species of fish, such as snapper blues, croakers, flounders, Hermit Crabs, Pipefish, and more, before releasing them back into the water. Each haul of the seine net brings in something new to discover.   

This fun and exciting program takes place on the beach near the fishing pier. Closed-toe shoes are required. The program will not run during inclement weather. Open to ages 5 and up, families, with adult, the program is designed for individuals and families, not groups. (Groups can reserve a date by calling (732) 872-7369.)

It will be a fun time for everyone as we discover what lives in the bay this summer!