State, Researchers Doing 10 Studies Of Barnegat Bay

The state Department of Environmental Protection is teaming up with research institutions across the state to carry out 10 separate studies of aspects of Barnegat Bay.

They're trying to get a comprehensive view of the struggling waterway's health.

The studies will examine things like pollution nutrients in the water, crabs and clams, the prevalence of stinging jellyfish and algae blooms. Together, they will form the most detailed study ever of the bay.

Gov. Chris Christie has issued a plan to help the bay. It includes the early closure of the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant and changes to the composition of fertilizer sold in the state to let less polluting nitrogen enter the bay.

But Jeff Tittel of the Sierra Club says the real solution is limiting overdevelopment nearby.