The Artificial Reef Program conducts reef monitoring through a Ventless Trap Survey. Ventless traps (measuring 43 ¾” L x 22 ½” W x 15″ H) are randomly placed throughout three reef sites off the coast of New Jersey onto different substrates. The traps are deployed and remain in the water for about five weeks every spring, summer and fall. Each week, biologists tend to the traps and record data (such as length, weight, sex, etc.) on the different species that are captured before the animals are returned to the water. Once emptied, the traps are put back in the same location where they were pulled so data collection and sites remain consistent.

The benefited species (like black sea bass, tautog, summer flounder, lobster, and various crabs) are endemic to New Jersey but are limited in extent and abundance by the lack of hard substrate. Through this survey, we can determine how species utilize different material types and how they use the reefs during different seasons. Using the data collected, scientists are able to perform different analyses to determine the success and productivity of reef sites.