Marine Conservation is a crucial part of keeping the Jersey Shore a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. But who cares for the land and animals that live in the ocean near the beaches we frequent? In the New Jersey area, the American Littoral Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to doing just that.
The American Littoral Society (littoral means intertidal zone or region along the coast) promotes the study of marine life. They also work to conserve marine habitats and protect the coast from harm, while empowering others to do the same. “That mission is based on three pillars—education, conservation, and advocacy,” says Lindsay McNamara, director of development, membership and outreach. The NPO has been operating since 1961.
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Conservation Efforts
Since the late 1990s, the American Littoral Society has completed more than 50 restoration projects. In addition, they have restored or enhanced over 300 acres of important coastal and shoreline habitats. They do this through building oyster reefs and living shorelines, as well as other nature-based solutions. In fact, they have one of the largest fish tagging programs, with taggers throughout the northeastern coast. Everything they do is to protect the coastline in the face of climate change.
As far as political advocacy, the American Littoral Society is a long-time leader and participant. They continue to develop and introduce policy and legal analysis to guide conversations toward strong environmental protection. This includes federal legislation recommendations concerning wildlife management, habitat restoration, climate change adaptation, water quality management, and more. Click here to learn more about their Advocacy work.
Educational Resources for the General Public
The American Littoral Society offers educational programs for schools, scouts, and others. For example, Beach Grasses in Classes teaches students about the importance of dunes in protecting communities. During this exercise, students go home with a plug of dune grass to care for. A few months later, they bring back that plug and any others that have grown. Then they plant them to help stabilize dunes.
Likewise, their Sunset Seine program lets participants drag a seine (net) out and back into the seaweed. The group then examines the marine vegetation and wildlife, such as puffer fish and horseshoe crabs. Finally, the seaweed is placed back into the water. “We don’t just want to give you a pamphlet,” says Lindsay. “We want your bare feet in seafoam or in the sand immersed within the coast.”
About the American Littoral Society
The American Littoral Society focuses on marine conservation within the mid-Atlantic region from Cape May to Montauk, New York. They have NJ offices in Millville and Sandy Hook. The organization has over 2,000 members which include anglers, birders, boaters, beach lovers, and surfers. “We’re looking to connect people to the coast and bring them out in nature,” Lindsay says. “It’s great for everyone’s mental health to take a walk and explore nature.”
To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram.
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Top and Bottom Photo: © American Littoral Society
Middle Photo: Dave Hawkins, American Littoral Society