Science

New Jersey Wetland and coastal Ecosystem
Major structural and functional dynamics
New Jersey’s true natural treasures lie in its extensive system of interconnected bays, rivers,
estuaries and wetlands. This coastal region comprising of beaches, wetlands and forests is a vital
feeding and resting grounds for more than 100 species of migratory and nesting birds. Some of
the major preserved coastal ecosystems of New Jersey are:-
1. Eldora nature preserve: - It encompasses nearly 900 acres of Pine Barrens and gives
protection to the rare moths. It also provides a mosaic of wild habitats to its visitors.
2. Gandy’s beach preserve: - It is a top shorebird site within the migratory crossroads of
the Delaware Bay. The birds flying from South America to nesting grounds in northern
Canada arrive here to refuel and rejuvenate on horseshoe crab eggs and other
invertebrates as they continue on their journey.
3. Indian trail swamp preserve: - It is a home to a lush and diverse habitat. It protects the
globally rare, state-imperiled Cape May lowland swamp community.
4. Lizard tail swamp preserve: - It is also a home to a lush and diverse habitat. It provides
critical feeding and resting habitat for migrating birds and the primary source of
drinking water for people who live in and visit the area.
5. Lummis ponds preserve: - It protects old-growth woodlands in the Cumberland forest. It
is a heaven for some of the state's most threatened plants and animals.
6. South Cape May meadows: - It includes over 200 acres birding hot spot zone for the
Atlantic migratory birds.
7. Sunray beach preserve: - It becomes a major feeding ground for migratory shorebirds
each spring.
The Port Authority is working in a number of ways, including direct habitat preservation and
pollution reduction, to protect these invaluable habitats.
Human effect on the biogeochemical cycle of the ecosystem
Human activities have fundamentally altered the natural flow of water and biologically
essential elements through natural cycles. Effects of human disturbance become integrated
at the watershed level, and are transferred to the coastal zone, which often suffers
disproportionate impact, such as toxic blooms, anoxic dead...