Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Most farmers in New Jersey’s aquaculture industry do not have their own hatchery facility. A common practice is the purchase of shellfish seed from the hatcheries within NJ waters or from other states.
Growers are strongly encouraged to obtain seed from hatcheries located in New Jersey. Furthermore, seed reared directly in New Jersey waters or within New Jersey facilities (e.g. hatcheries) do not require additional permission from the DEP as per N.J.S.A. 50:1-34 and 1-35.
If importing seed from outside of New Jersey is pursued, permission from the DEP is required per N.J.S.A. 50:1-34 and 1-35. State statute declares that no shellfish brought from any other state or foreign country shall be planted in state waters without prior written permission from the Commissioner of the DEP. This applies to shellfish larvae, seed at any size, or adult broodstock.
East Coast Shellfish Hatchery and Nursery Directory
New Jersey’s Shellfish Importation Application Process:
- The process starts by submitting an Application for Permission to Import Shellfish.
- All applications must be submitted through email to Megan.Swain@njdepwptest.net
- Applicant shall provide:
- Contact information
- Species information (common name and scientific name)
- Source hatchery and waterway information
- Location to be planted
- Description of plan for seed
- Quantity and size
- Histopathology report
- A valid and timely histopathology report is required for an application to be complete for review. The report may not be more than 30-days old prior to estimated import date and should adequately reflect the source size listed on the application form.
- The Bureau of Shellfisheries will review the application and associated histopathology report to determine if the importation request is acceptable. The applicant will receive a decision via email.
- The review process includes the examination of the nature and source of the requested species, quantity, and proposed planting location.
- Generally, the review process can take up to two weeks.
For more information contact the Marine Resources Administration’s Bureau of Shellfisheries at 609-748-2040 or email Megan Swain at Megan.Swain@njdepwptest.net.
