Getting Started

Interested in growing shellfish?

Before you start the process, there are many things to consider:

What shellfish do you wish to grow?

Where can a farm be located?

How do you grow shellfish?

Where do you get seed?

How are you going to sell your product?

Assistance and information resources:

View the Shellfish Aquaculture Siting Tool, a resource to assist growers in understanding the regulatory constraints, potential user group conflicts, and physical characteristics of a site.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Office of Aquaculture Coordination provides guidance and assistance with the permitting process, technical assistance to new growers or those looking into experimental and/or new techniques and provides marketing assistance. Please visit the NJDA website at NJDA – Seafood – Aquaculture for more information and guidance on developing aquaculture in NJ.

For more information, please contact:

Contact: Amanda Wenczel
Aquaculture Development Specialist
Phone: (609) 913-6499
Amanda.Wenczel@ag.nj.gov

In addition to talking to the Department of Agriculture, it is important to understand where a shellfish farm can be located depending on species type, culture methods, physical conditions, and lease area availability. Bureau of Marine Habitat and Shellfisheries staff have access to all appropriate leasing records and are available to assist prospective shellfish growers through the process of obtaining a lease and can answer siting questions.

For more information, please contact:
Atlantic Coast
Contact: Megan Swain
Phone: (609) 748-2040
Megan.Swain@njdepwptest.net

Delaware Bay
Contact: Alissa Wilson
Phone: (856) 785-0730
Alissa.Wilson@njdepwptest.net