Page 1Spring 2001

estuary newsNewsletter of the Delaware Estuary Program

Volume 11 / Issue 3Spring 2001

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Oysters: A Part of Our Heritage

By Joseph Matassino, Director of Development and Communications,

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

By the 1870’s, scientists began researching and keepingrecords on the status of the oyster-growing regions. Althoughthe results of these studies are varied, generally all were inagreement that the oyster was an extremely valuable productin the economies of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.In addition, it was agreed that the supply of oysters couldbe much increased by better husbandry of the resource andgreater reliance on cultivation rather than “wild harvest.”

Avid readers of Estuary News know that over harvesting anddisease spelled the collapse to the oyster industry in the

Delaware Estuary, butnot before these crea-tures made their mark onour society. There arecertain towns along theBay Shore that werecompletely dependentupon the oyster industryincluding Bivalve andPort Norris, New Jersey.Because of the oysterindustry, at one point inthe 19th Century, therewere more millionaires inPort Norris than any-where else in the world.

Schooners, like the A. J.Meerwald, took fisher-men from these small

towns out to the oyster beds during harvesting season. Theoysters were then shipped to larger cities, including Wilmington,Delaware, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where some streetswere lined with oyster bars, serving their patrons a creamysoup, with what else, but oyster crackers.

Today, towns like Bivalve still serve as a fishing port, thoughon a much smaller scale. Fishermen are no longer using theA.J. Meerwald. Instead, it has been restored and is used by

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Tourists learning about the oyster industry. (Photo by Bill Buchanan)

One of the many wonderful things about the Delaware Estuaryis the manner in which our history, culture, and way of life havebecome so intertwined with the water and its living resources.

Estuaries are resources for recreation and tourism, and in someregions of the country, like ours, they are also industrial centersand transportation corridors. Yet, despite their different usesand public images, there is one similar over-riding theme formost estuarine communities. This theme is often tied to a speciesthat provides an identity for that region. It’s usually the speciesthat brought the early settlers to that region or the species thatcurrent residents can see, touch,taste, and want to protect. Cananyone truly appreciate the cultureof the Chesapeake Bay withoutenvisioning the blue crab, or visitKey West and not be fascinatedabout the history and the currentculinary sensation of conch?

In the Delaware Estuary there is aspecies that has defined our wayof life for hundreds of years – theeastern oyster. The history of theregion, our cultural experiences,and our methods of socializationhave all been affected by thepresence of the oyster.

Oysters have been an importantresource in the Delaware Estuarysince the time of the earliest human inhabitants. The LenniLenape harvested oysters from the shallow waters of theDelaware Bay long before the early colonists. While not toomuch is known about the oyster industry during colonial times,we do know that the early American settlers relied upon oystersas an important food source. Those who settled along theDelaware Bay Shore, used more sophisticated fishing tools andhad larger sailing vessels then the Lenape, enabling them to fishin deeper sections of the Delaware Bay. When the settlementsgrew into cities, there became an instant market for oysters.

There was also early interest in protecting the oyster. Thecolony of New Jersey passed legislation in 1719 to prohibitresidents from harvesting oysters during the summer spawningseason. As the region matured, both Delaware and New Jerseycontinued to pass laws throughout the 1800’s to further protectthis resource.

If you are a current subscriber and would prefer to viewEstuary News online, please let us know by sendingan email to the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary atpartners@udel.edu.

Page 2 Volume 11 / Issue 3

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Toxics Advisory Committee (TAC)

The PCB expert panel met on February 16, 2001 to continuediscussions on design and development of the PCB model.The panel recommended that the to the Delaware River BasinCommission perform data analysis activities, including annualPCB budgets. This data will be presented back to the expertpanel at a May meeting for their review.

A revised, expanded version of the overall Delaware EstuaryPCB Strategy was presented to the TAC at the February 26,2001 meeting for comment. Although the document is a ‘livingdocument’ in that it will continually be updated, the intent is tohave the final draft available for presentation at the April 19,2001 Delaware River Basin Commission meeting. For moreinformation about this meeting, please go to www.drbc.net.

Progress has also been made in the trackdown study, which isdesigned to identify potential/actual sources of PCBs enteringthe sewer system and to begin implementing load reductionmeasures. The cities of Camden, New Jersey; Philadelphia,Pennsylvania; and Wilmington, Delaware have drafted prelimi-nary work plans outlining their method of conducting the PCBtrackdowns in their systems. The details of these workplanswere the subject of the March PCB Trackdown Workgroupmeeting. Implementation of the first phase of monitoring isscheduled for early summer.

Delaware Estuary EnvironmentalIndicators

The Delaware Estuary Program has developed an initial suite ofnine land and water environmental indicators. These indicators

provide an importantbenchmark againstwhich organizationsand agencies withinthe Delaware Estuarycan gauge thesuccess and impactof their existingefforts, and identifyareas that need tobe addressed.

To receive a freecopy of theIndicatorsReport, pleasecall the Partner-ship at 1-800-445-4935.

PCB Public Forums

This past winter, more than 200 individuals from government,academia, non-profits, industry, the media, and the publicattended three PCB Public Forums held in Wilmington, Delaware;Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Mount Holly, New Jersey.

The purpose of the forums was to provide the stakeholders inthe watershed with an understanding of the PCB problems inthe Estuary. The human health risks and impacts on fish andwildlife caused by PCBs were presented along with the actionsbeing taken to address the problem as part of the DelawareEstuary PCB Strategy.

environmental educators as a floating classroom to teachprimarily young people (approximately 6,000 per year) aboutthe region’s maritime heritage. The oyster bars are no longeraround either. They have long since shut their doors, but areremembered fondly as places of hospitality and camaraderie.

A number of efforts are underway to reestablish seedbeds intributaries to the Delaware Bay. The Delaware Estuary Programis funding a project to reestablish oyster stocks in the Back Creekand Nantuxent Creeks in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Withefforts such as this, and with general improvements in waterquality, the oyster population in the Delaware Estuary seems to

be improving. In fact, the State of Delaware is seeking approvalfrom its legislators to change harvesting laws, to allow for theharvest of oysters in the Delaware Bay this fall, the first allowedsince 1995. Oyster harvests in New Jersey were shut down inthe early 1990’s. New Jersey seed beds were reopened in 1995.

While there are, of course, a number of species with which theresidents of the Delaware Estuary can relate, it is the oysterthat has truly shaped our region’s history.

For more information about the eastern oyster, please refer tothe Species Specific article on page 8 of this issue.

Information Management AdvisoryCommitteeWarren Huff, (609) 883-9500 x237,whuff@drbc.state.nj.usor Karl Heinicke, RIMS Coordinator(609) 883-9500 x 241,heinicke@drbc.state.nj.us

The Delaware River Basin Commissionalso has three Committees that serve in thesame capacity as the implementation teams:

Water Quality Advisory CommitteeJohn Davis, Widener University(610) 499-4063,John.F.Davis@widener.edu

Toxics Advisory CommitteeTom Fikslin, DRBC(609) 883-9500 x 253,tfikslin@drbc.state.nj.us

Monitoring Advisory CommitteeEdward Santoro, MonitoringCoordinator(609) 883-9500 x 268,esantoro@drbc.state.nj.us

The meetings of the DELEP ImplementationTeams and Advisory Committees occuron a regular basis and are open to thepublic. For meeting dates and times,please call the individuals listed below:

Public ParticipationImplementation TeamKathy Klein, Partnership for theDelaware Estuary, Inc.(800) 445-4935, partners@udel.edu

Habitat and Living ResourcesImplementation TeamGreg Breese(302) 653-9152

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Estuary basics

By Cathy Libertz, United States Environmental Protection Agency Region III,

Delaware Estuary Program Coordinator

densely populated urban areas of the Northeast and GreatLakes regions, more than half of all combined sewer systemsare found in cities with fewer than 10,000 people. Therefore,small communities have more systems to be evaluated, moni-tored, and operated. In the Delaware Estuary Region, Philadel-phia has 176 CSOs, Camden/Gloucester has 36, Chester/Delcora has 30, Wilmington also has 30, and Trenton has one.

How are CSOs regulated?

The Clean Water Act requires the EPA and States to issuepermits for controlling the discharges from CSOs. In April 1994,EPA issued a policy for the control of CSOs, calling for commu-nities with combined sewer systems to take immediate andlong-term actions to address CSO problems. Measuresspecified in the policy include proper operation and regularmaintenance of the sewer system, as well as public notificationof the occurrence and impact of CSOs. Permittees are respon-sible for implementing a series of minimum CSO controls, andif necessary, developing and implementing a long-term CSOcontrol plan. These control plans require the identification,evaluation and implementation of various CSO control strategiesto achieve water quality standards by the communities. TheEPA, state environmental agencies, water quality groups,and local communities are working together to complete theselong-term CSO control plans.

For more information about CSOs, please contact EPA Region III’sOffice of Watersheds at (215) 814-2310, EPA Region III’sWebsite with CSO information at http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/cso/ and the EPA Headquarter’s CSO Web site at http://www.epa.gov/owm/cso.htm.

Sources: http://www.epa.gov/owm/cso.htm; Pipeline, a publica-tion of the Small Flows Clearinghouse Spring 1996, vol. 2;EPA document 832-F-93-003 – Combined Sewer Overflows inYour Community; DRBC; and EPA staff.

What is a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)?

Combined sewer systems were constructed in many earlyAmerican cities. These systems were built to carry humanwaste and stormwater from city streets into receiving waters.Originally, combined sewer systems helped to reduce publiccontact with human wastes, thereby lessening risk to humanhealth. They also provided drainage to avoid flooding of citystreets, homes, and businesses.

Under normal weather conditions, a combinedsewer system’s flow of sanitary wastewater is sentto a treatment plant. Overflow events (“CSOs”)occur in a combined sewer system during wetweather. During a major rainstorm, combinedsewers do not have enough capacity to carry all ofthe rainwater and wastewater that flows throughits system. When this occurs, the combinedwastewater “overflows” untreated wastewater andstormwater into the nearest river, lake, stream,or estuary. Some communities experience CSOconditions as many as 80 times per year. The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) estimatesthat during major storm events, CSOs discharge1.2 trillion gallons of raw sewage and stormwaterdirectly into our nation’s waterways annually. Thesanitary wastewater component of CSOs ismaintained at a relatively consistent level, however, thestormwater contribution is highly variable and dependent upondrainage area, surface permeability, and the duration and/orintensity of the rainfall event.

It was once believed that overflows from sewers during wetweather were diluted by high stream levels, however, a 1984EPA study found more than 40 toxic pollutants present in CSOs,including high levels of metals and toxic organics. The mainpollutants found in CSOs are untreated human and industrialwastes, toxic materials like oil and pesticides, and floatingdebris washed into the sewer system. These pollutants cancause a variety of diseases in humans, including dysentery andhepatitis, and can also harm aquatic life. People can beaffected by drinking or swimming in the polluted water, or byeating the contaminated fish. In fact, CSOs have been a majorcause of recreational beach closings, shellfish bed closings,and fish kills, negatively impacting the local economy in somecommunities.

Many of these combined sewer systems are still in operationtoday. These systems, however, have been retrofitted over timeso that they are now connected to sewage treatment plants.Combined sewers serve about 43 million people in an estimated1,100 communities. Most of the CSO communities are locatedin the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. More than 75 percentof these communities are located in 11 states (Connecticut,Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio,Indiana, Illinois, Vermont, and West Virginia). Although most ofthe pollution from CSOs comes from large systems in the

Locations of communities in the United States with combined sewer systems.

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TIDINGS: News from around the region

Biosolids: A RecyclableResource in the Watershedor a Nuisance?

By William Toffey, Biosolids Utilization Manager,

Philadelphia Water Department

Author Taro Gomi got it right in her children’s book — “EveryonePoops.” Whether you flush to a sewer or to a septic tank,everyone contributes to BIOSOLIDS. Formerly called “sewagesludge,” biosolids are the mostly organic byproduct of waste-water treatment that is processed to make the material suitablefor recycling back to the land. Everyone who flushes has a stakein the proper management of biosolids.

Every individual produces approximately 60 pounds of biosolidsannually. In the Delaware River Watershed, with a populationof more than 5 million, that comes to approximately 150,000tons of organic solids per year. Because the successfultreatment of wastewater results in a large quantity of biosolids,these solids need to be “managed” whether they are producedat a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW), a communitypackage treatment system, or an individual on-lot septicsystem. Recycling biosolids has been a preferred managementapproach for the majority of wastewater facilities.

Since the early 1970s, biosolids recycling has received thesupport of state and federal environmental policy-makers.Application of biosolids to the land was the option of choice,as it was seen as a natural way of making good use of thenutrients and organic matter which constitutes biosolids.

Recycling and using biosolids

Federal and state regulations distinguish two levels of biosolidstreatment processes, known as Class A and Class B. Theserelate to the reduction of microorganisms of human origin.

Class A, the higher treatment level, produces products likecompost and pellets that are safe for homeowner use. Highlyprocessed, Class A products may be used in suburban andurban settings for horticultural applications. These biosolidsproducts have commercial value. Our metropolitan area isserved by three biosolids composting facilities that togetherproduce about 150,000 cubic yards of rich soil amendment thatis sold to landscapers. Philadelphia produces EarthMateBiosolids Compost that can be purchased at 30 specialtygarden centers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In addition,many fertilizers sold locally contain biosolids, and manylandowners voluntarily use biosolids for their capacity toimprove soil conditions.

Class B biosolids are produced using conventional stabilizationtechnologies to reduce odors. Class B biosolids are used bytrained operators on land sites on which public access isrestricted. For example, the Upper Montgomery Joint Authority(UMJA), in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, has recycled Class Bbiosolids to nearby farmlands for over 10 years. Biosolids areused as a source of nitrogen on crops grown for animal feed.UMJA monitors nitrogen concentrations frequently to assure the

application rate does not exceed crop uptake. The farms have afully implemented conservation plan to reduce erosion and runoff.

Sixty percent of biosolids produced in the Delaware RiverWatershed are recycled to the land.

What happens to the biosolids that are not recycled?

Approximately half of the biosolids not recycled are co-disposedwith trash in municipal solid waste landfills. Most Pennsylvanialandfills are permitted to accept biosolids for disposal. Biosolidsaid in the settling and decomposition of cells of trash, and hastenthe generation of methane gas that can be captured and burnedto create electricity. The other half of non-recycled biosolids areburned in specially designed incinerators. These are located atthe treatment plant. The residual ash from incineration can bereused, but is often landfilled.

What about objections to recycling?

Environmental professionals responsible for biosolids recyclingare painfully aware of the deep concern that people have withthe practice of biosolids recycling. One issue keenly felt byneighbors to recycling sites is offensive odors emanating fromland spreading activities. Unpleasant odors, even if temporary,give rise to concerns for pathogens’ transmission, healthimpacts, quality of life, and property values. Another area ofconcern is the release of pollutants to ground or surface waters,affecting use of streams and aquifers.

Wastewater professionals and regulators have scientifically-based responses to these issues. They can show that thepotential for adverse impacts to soil and water from biosolidsrecycling is negligible. The wastewater industry is working toimprove its practices, to become responsive to communityconcerns, and to be more open with its information.

At the national level, an Environmental Management System(EMS) for Biosolids is under development. This is a “continualimprovement” program for biosolids producers to adopt for theiragencies and contractors. The EMS for Biosolids is expected togive the public increased assurance that recycling programs areoperated safely and beneficially.

Biosolids recycling is, after all, part of a “virtuous circle.” Thecommunity whose POTW practices biosolids recycling can beproud of accomplishing nearly 100% recycling —reclaiming“used” water for discharge to streams, and reclaiming “used”nutrients and food for placement back on the land. In addition,soils that receive biosolids are restored to a higher status oforganic matter content, infiltration capacity, and moisturecontent, enabling the soil to resist storm runoff and erosion.Biosolids are not only a product of success in clean water; theyare a tool to achieve clean water.

For more information about biosolids recycling efforts check outthese web sites: www.biosolids.org, www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/biosolids/biosolids.htm, www.state.nj.us/dep/dwq/sludge.htm,www.agronomy.psu.edu/extension/esi.html, or www.rce.rutgers.edu/pubs/ag.

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Horseshoe Crabs Find a Home

On February 5, 2001, the National Marine Fisheries Servicebanned the harvest of horseshoe crabs in a newly created1,500 square mile horseshoe crab sanctuary, off the coastsof Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. The protectedwaters will start three miles off the Atlantic Coast andextend east for 30 miles, stretching from Peck’s Beach,New Jersey to Ocean City, Maryland. This is one of aseries of steps environmentalists, scientists, and stateand federal fisheries managers have taken to control theharvesting of horseshoe crabs.

The sanctuary will be named the Carl N. Schuster, Jr. HorseshoeCrab Reserve in honor of the retired William and Mary Collegeprofessor, who is widely considered the world’s leading experton horseshoe crabs.

Robert Knecht Honored atthe Delaware NationalEstuarine Research Reserve

On January 26, 2001 the education and research programs ofthe Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, in Dover,were dedicated to Professor Robert Knecht. For the past 12years, Professor Knecht has served as the co-director of theCenter for the Study of Marine Policy at the University ofDelaware College of Marine Studies, where he has led numer-ous local, national, and international projects in coastal andocean policy. Throughout his remarkable career in academiaand government service, he has received the U.S. Department

of Commerce’s Gold Medal for outstanding performance, anoutstanding leadership award from the American Society of CivilEngineers, and the 1999 Julius A. Stratton Leadership Award as“Champion of the Coast.” Professor Knecht was instrumental inshaping the federal Coastal Zone Management Program, theDelaware Coastal Management Program, and the DelawareNational Estuarine Research Reserve. His efforts have helpedto provide for the environmentally sound use of Delaware’scoastal resources and helped to guarantee a plan to protectand manage natural estuarine habitats for research andeducation in Delaware and across the United States.

Professor Robert Knecht graciously thanking his friends and colleagues.

The Sojourns

Schuylkill River SojournJune 2–8, 2001A seven-day trip down the Schuylkill River from SchuylkillHaven to Philadelphia. Activities, meals, camping and gearshuttles are provided daily. Canoe and kayak rentals areavailable. Check out the Schuylkill River Sojourn 2000photo gallery and the Schuylkill River Sojourn 2001 informa-tion page at www.schuylkillriver.org. The registrationdeadline is May 4, 2001. For more information or to register,please call (610) 372-3916.

Delaware River SojournJune 15-23, 2001Paddle the longest free-flowing river in the Eastern UnitedStates. This eight-day trip combines canoeing, camping,educational programming, historical interpretations, andmore. The Sojourn travels for two days in each section ofthe river (upper, middle, lower, and estuary). Side trips aretaken on the historical canals, into the tidal marshes, anddown the scenic tributaries. The itinerary varies from yearto year, so there is always something new to discover.

Registration deadline is May 26, 2001. For more informationor to register, please call (908) 996-0230.

Lehigh River SojournJune 23-28, 2001Canoe and whitewater raft from Stoddartsville to Easton forsix-days, along the dramatic Lehigh River. Visit the LehighGorge State Park and the Walnutport Canal Museum.Educational programming includes everything from mas-sage therapy lessons to the history of zinc. Registrationdeadline is June 1, 2001. For more information or toregister, please call (610) 965-4397 x 16.

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A New Partnership PromisesConnection between City Kidsand the Delaware Estuary

By Mark Fallon, Education Director,

Philadelphia City Sail

This past year, The Academy of Natural Sciences andPhiladelphia City Sail, Inc. worked together on a pilot programto teach inner city Philadelphia students about watershedscience and ecology by using the Delaware Estuary as aclassroom. The program was such a success that theorganizations are entering a full partnership to keep the programgoing and develop it further.

The pilot program involves hands-on lessons that take place onthe Jolly Rover II, a 75-foot topsail schooner, based at Penn’sLanding. Teachers receive pre-trip lesson plans and training, onboard data sheets, follow-up lesson plans, and post-tests. On-board experiments (during spring and fall sailing trips) reinforceclassroom lessons. Interested students may continue thelearning process by joining City Sail’s summer program.

For more information on this program, contact Philadelphia CitySail, Inc. at (215) 271-3400 or email them at phcitysail@aol.com.For more information on this or other programs of The Academyof Natural Sciences, please call (215) 299-1000 or visit them atwww.acnatsci.org.

Delaware City Enhancesits Riverfront

The 19th Century port community ofDelaware City (pop. 2,000) can trace itsorigins back to 1801. Its location at theeastern end of the Chesapeake andDelaware Canal resulted in it becoming

both an operating base and a way station for shipping activitybetween Philadelphia and Baltimore. Delaware City hasevolved over the years and, with a little help, is looking toreinvent itself. The town has received financial support fromboth the state and federal levels to recreate that 19th Centuryfeeling through park improvements, the creation of a canalpromenade, and the restoration of historical properties. TheDelaware Department of Natural Resources and EnvironmentalControl’s Division of Parks and Recreation has committed$200,000 for a brick walkway along the canal, public seating,and Victorian light standards. The Motiva Refinery, in support ofDelaware City’s ongoing revitalization efforts, sold a strip of landto the city for $1. A parking lot will be built on this land tosupport visitors to the Fort Delaware State Park and the 3 FortsFerry. Delaware City is a departure point for the 50,000 annualtourists who visit Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island.

For more information about Delaware City, contact the DelawareCity Town Hall Offices at (302) 834-4573 and ask for a brochureentitled “Delaware City – Port of History.”

PhiladelphiaFlower Show ExhibitImpresses the Judges

The Philadelphia Water Department, U.S. Fish and WildlifeService, the Delaware Estuary Program, and the Partnershipfor the Delaware Estuary teamed up at the 2001 PhiladelphiaFlower Show to present their exhibit “You too, can be a GreatGardener by Practicing Conservation Landscaping!”

The exhibit illustrated that the impacts of daily landscapedecisions reach far beyond individual property lines. In order tobe a great gardener, you need to plan for landscapes thatbenefit people, wildlife, and your local watershed. By taking aconservation landscaping approach to gardening, you can helpto restore wildlife habitats in small pockets and help to improvewater quality.

A brochure was distributed at the Flower Show listing a numberof conservation landscaping techniques that gardeners shouldpractice including, testing and recycling nutrients, reducingimpermeable surfaces, using native plants, creating habitat,conserving water, and using top dress. A soil conditioner,marketed under the name EarthMate, was used in the exhibit.EarthMate is a byproduct of Philadelphia’s sewage treatmentprocess. (For more information about biosolids recycling, referto the article on page 4).

The exhibit won Best in Show for Education, Special Achieve-ment in Conservation and Education from the Garden ClubFederation of Pennsylvania, and The Philadelphia Flower ShowAward Presented to a Major Exhibition for an EducationalExhibit of Distinction.

For a free copy of the Conservation Landscaping brochure,please call the Partnership at 1-800-445-4935.

“You too, can be a Great Gardener” at the 2001 Philadelphia Flower Show.

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Taking it to the Streetsfor Earth Day 2001 withStorm Drain Marking

One of the greatest threats to the quality of our region’s waterways is fromstormwater runoff pollution. Stormwater runoff pollution occurs when rainwaterwashes over land collecting pollutants such as motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides,and litter. These pollutants wash into storm drains or directly into the Estuary’sstreams and rivers. In order to address the stormwater runoff problem, thePartnership has taken the initiative to highlight nonpoint source pollutionprevention in its programming, which includes the Storm Drain Marking Project.

To date, the Storm Drain Marking Project has involved thousands of volunteers inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania and Camden, New Jersey. This spring, we arecontinuing our efforts in Philadelphia with the assistance of a Growing GreenerGrant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and inWilmington, Delaware with support from the Delaware Department of NaturalResources and Environmental Control and the City of Wilmington. Volunteerswill be marking storm drains with the message “No Dumping. Drains to River.”The volunteers will also be distributing tip cards that explain what the markingmeans and describe how everyone can help to keep our rivers clean byrethinking some of our day-to-day actions.

Those of you familiar with this project will notice that we are no longer using the word “stencil.” Traditionally, our volunteers haveused paint to stencil the area in front of storm drains. This time around, we are testing a much more durable product, which hasbeen used successfully in other estuary’s across the country. The medallion (see above) we have selected is expected to last up to14 years, and promises to be much easier for our volunteers to apply to the street.

To learn more about storm drain marking, please call the Partnership at 1-800-445-4935.

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Do these advertisements look familiar?To learn more, go to the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary’s new web site at www.DelawareEstuary.org.

Page 8 Volume 11 / Issue 3

Eastern oyster – Crassostrea virginica

By Russell Babb, Fisheries Biologist, New Jersey

Division of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Shellfisheries

Species Specific○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

clean substrate, preferably oyster shell, is critical for the successfulsettlement of juvenile oysters, or spat.

Survival of the Fittest

There is a two-week period for the free-swimming larvae.During most of this period the larvae are passively transportedby tidal and wind driven currents. Only in their last few days oflarval life do they exhibit a tendency to descend from the watercolumn on slack water, remain on the bottom during ebb tides,and return to the water column on flood tides. In this manner,late stage larvae tend to move toward the headwaters of theEstuary. When they are ready to set, the larva seeks a hard,clean surface upon which to attach. Once a larval oysterattaches, it cements itself to that surface. It will remain there forlife unless removed by some external force.

Successful settlement is not the only hurdle oysters face. Onceoysters find a suitable substrate, they become vulnerable to anumber of new predator organisms. Mud crabs, blue crabs,gastropods, black drum, starfish, skates, and rays all take a toll onoysters. The principal predators in the Delaware Bay are the oysterdrills, Urosalpinx cinerea and Eupleura caudata. Their abundanceover the downbay market beds can have a significant effect onwhether juvenile oysters survive to reproductive maturity.

Many marine organisms – bryozoans, hydroids, sponges,barnacles, ascidians, tube-building worms and other bivalves –live upon oysters and the affiliated structure of the reefs theycreate. These, in turn, attract various crustaceans and smallfishes. This furnishes, as many fishermen know, a concentratedfood source for many recreationally sought fishes such as theweakfish, croaker, and black drum. Numerous animals seek outfood and shelter in the interstices of the oyster reef. Variousgastropods and fishes, many of which have commercial andrecreational value, utilize the oyster community for foraging andspawning habitat.

Conclusion

The oyster plays a significant ecological role in the Bay, and it isthe basis of a vast community of organisms. Management effortsby coastal states to bolster the oysters resource not only providemajor economic benefits for harvesters and local communities, butadd to the overall ecology of estuaries by increasing faunal habitatand diversity, while improving water quality.

A listing of the resources used for this article is available fromthe Partnership by calling1-800-445-4935.

Weiss, H.M., 1995,Marine Animals of

Southern New Englandand New York State.

Introduction

The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, has held a longhistory as a commercially and ecologically important species inthe Delaware Bay. Dating as far back as the early 1800’s, theDelaware Bay oyster has been known for it’s unique taste andhigh quality meat. It was extremely popular on the oystermarket, which contributed significantly to the bayshore commu-nities of New Jersey and Delaware. Throughout the early1900’s, oyster landings ranged from one to two million-bushelsannually. Today, oyster production is severely inhibited by aserious disease that affects oysters, not humans. The culprit isa water-borne protozoan parasite called Perkinsus marinus,commonly known as Dermo. Dermo was originally detected inthe Delaware Bay during the mid-1950’s and was essentiallyundetectable shortly thereafter. However, the disease, associ-ated with abnormally high winter temperatures, resurfaced in1990, spreading among the oyster population. Although oysterstocks have been significantly affected by disease, habitat loss,and in some cases over-harvesting, the eastern oyster remainsan integral part of the Delaware Estuary.

Where Can We Find the Eastern Oyster?

The filter feeding eastern oyster is an estuarine animal with atolerance for a wide salinity range. The Delaware Bay oystertypically exists in salinities as low as four or five parts perthousand (ppt) and as high as 30-35 ppt. (sea water is normally35 ppt.), however, the optimal salinity range is believed to beabout 14-28 ppt. In the New Jersey portion of the Delaware Bay,oysters are established in areas of suitable habitat extendingfrom Cape May Point to Artificial Island, and in the brackish orlower portions of many tributaries leading into the Bay. The primemarket beds in the Delaware Bay (i.e., providing the best growingconditions) range from Ben Davis Point south to False EggIsland. Oysters will grow on almost any type of stable bottomavailable (e.g., hard mud, sandy mud, clay, gravel, and preferably,other oysters). Oysters do not survive well on sandy bottoms thatare coarse grained and unstable. They grow from the intertidalzone to a depth of 30 or more feet. The most productive areas onNew Jersey’s natural seedbeds and leased grounds range indepth from 6 to 25 feet.

The Mating Ritual

The eastern oyster is a protandric alternate hermaphroditespecies. When oysters first mature, they usually function as males,and as individuals grow larger, the proportion of females increases.There is also evidence that the process of switching sexes isreversible during subsequent years. It is relatively unclear whatfactors influence sex reversal. A number of scientists have linkednutritive stresses, disease pressure, and sex ratios of nearbyoysters to sex reversal. Oysters spawn in response to tempera-ture. The first spawning generally occurs when the water tempera-ture reaches 77°F (25°C). Subsequent spawns commonly occurthroughout the summer until early-September. The availability of

Page 9Spring 2001

Estuary Excursions○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Burlington’s Swan Story – Palmyra Cove Nature Park

By George Nyikita, Executive Director, Burlington County Bridge Commission

far from the traffic and congestion of nearby residential andcommercial areas. The trails threaded throughout the parkmake it a pleasant place for walking and jogging. Theseactivities will be encouraged by the addition of low-impactimprovements such as bird-watching platforms and benchesalong the trail. Along the shoreline of the river and at thelagoon in the tidal cove, there will be docks for families to fishand rent canoes.

This environmental initiative has been made possible through apartnership with a mix of state, county and local governmententities with private sector and nonprofit involvement. TheNature Park has received funding from many sources includingthe New Jersey Department of Transportation, the DelawareRiver Port Authority, Burlington County (through the state’sGreen Acres program), the Office of Maritime Resources, andthe Burlington County Bridge Commission. A number of localorganizations have also contributed to this project. This is trulyan example of how all levels of government, the private sectorand local community organizations can come together for acommon good.

The park is open from dawn to dusk so that families, naturelovers and other community members can experience thisnatural resource. For directions or additional information,please call (856) 829-1900.

Source: Winter 2001 issue of New Jersey Outdoors magazine.For subscription information or to purchase a copy of this issue,please call (609) 984-0364.

Looking south as you cross the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge intoNew Jersey, you will catch a glimpse of a small island wilder-ness. Better known to locals as The Dunes, it is home to someof the Estuary’s endangered birds and wildlife. This island ofgreenery, renamed the Palmyra Cove Nature Park, is a projectaimed at preserving open space as a place for wildlife to thriveand for people to learn about this unique ecosystem.

Located on the Delaware River at the foot of the Tacony-PalmyraBridge, the park is bounded by Route 73 and the PennsaukenCreek. The 350-acre tract is being maintained as a wildlife havenunder a 30-year management agreement between the BurlingtonCounty Bridge Commission and the New Jersey PinelandsCommission.

This area, originally intended to be purely a site to depositdredge material, has blossomed into a natural haven for manydifferent types of wildlife. The Army Corps of Engineers contin-ues to use a portion of the park as a dredge material site for theongoing dredge operations along the Delaware River. Thesematerials can be used as a resource for soil blending operationsfor Burlington County and other regional projects. The Corpsoperation can be viewed as a prototype for other projects alongthe Delaware River and can provide economic benefits to othercommunities along the River.

Palmyra Cove Nature Park is valuable to the community as aplace for passive recreation. It is large enough and coveredwith enough vegetation that a visit feels like a walk in the country,

View of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge from the Palmyra Cover Nature Park in Burlington County,New Jersey

(Events Map.eps -USE PMS 3282)

Please use this map to locate the places, towns, or waterways mentioned in articles in thisedition of Estuary News. We hope this new feature helps to enhance your knowledge of theEstuary region and encourages you explore its fascinating resources.

Page 10 Volume 11 / Issue 3

Teachers and students page○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

“Clean Water Begins and Endswith You” Drawing Contest

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Water Department’s and thePartnership for the Delaware Estuary’s 2nd Annual “CleanWater Begins and Ends With You” Drawing Contest Winners!

9th –12th Grade1st Prize George Mathes, Northeast H.S.2nd Prize Clifford Fair II, Northeast H.S.3rd Prize Kimberly Cruz, Lincoln H.S.Honorable Mention Stephen Dalziel, Springside School

6th–8th Grade1st Prize Marques Slocum, St. Francis de Sales2nd Prize Stephen Mckenna, St. Leo the Great School3rd Prize Bobby Meder, St. Leo the Great SchoolHonorable Mention John Seing, Our Lady of Angels

3rd– 5th Grade1st Prize Jake Shayev, Greenfield School2nd Prize Nora Langan, Springside School3rd Prize Anna Dichter, Germantown Friends SchoolHonorable Mention Lesa Gordinskaya, Loesche E.S.

Kindergarten–2nd Grade1st Prize Mohanad Saleh, Solis Cohen2nd Prize Christine Ching, Resurrection of Our Lord3rd Prize Kahlil Johnson, Dr. Tanner G. Duckrey E.S.Honorable Mention Shirley Lu, Solis Cohen

The winning drawings have been assembled into a 16-monthcalendar and the winning artists will be recognized at an awardsceremony, which will be held in early April. Lastly, look for thefirst place winning drawings on SEPTA vehicles during themonth of April.

Thanks to the Pennsylvania Department of EnvironmentalProtection’s Growing Greener Program, and all of the studentsand teachers who participated in the 2001 Clean Water Beginsand Ends with You Drawing Contest.

To request a copy of the calendar, please callthe Partnership at 1-445-800-4935.

Recommended Resources

2001 Delaware Estuary WaterEducation Resource GuideA directory for educators that listsmaterials and programs availablethrough more than 130 local non-profitorganizations and governmentagencies on topics relating to waterresources. To receive a free copy,please call the Partnership at1-800-445-4935.

Environmental Connections:A Teachers Guide toEnvironmental StudiesThe Environmental Literacy Councilhas created an up-to-date, organizedresource guide on a variety of topics including

waste management, water quality, marine ecosystems, andpopulation studies. This book is a valuable tool for teachersto bridge the gap between textbook learning and real worldapplication. To order a copy of this book, check out theirweb site at www.enviroliteracy.org.

Make Your Own Watershed KitThe new, smaller version of EnviroScape supplements thepopular model by offering a creative base for assignments orscience projects. The cost is $29.95 plus shipping andhandling. For more information, please call (703) 631-8810.

Let’s Learn About WaterThis very popular activity booklet has been reprinted. Thebooklet explains the history of water use in the City of Philadel-phia, identifies the watersheds located within the City and theirconnection to the Delaware Estuary, explains the natural andurban water cycles, and includes fun games and educationalactivities. To receive a free copy of the activity booklet, pleasecall the Partnership at 1-800-445-4935.

www.plannersweb.com/sprawl/home.htmlSprawl guide, maintained by the Planning CommissionersJournal’s Planners Web site, offers information on key issuesassociated with sprawl. It also provides a mechanism to search bystate for groups or project working to curb suburban sprawl.

www.crjc.org/riparianbuffers.htmThis site of the Connecticut River Joint Commission,

offers ten different fact sheets explaining theimportance of riparian buffers in different types of

environments. Sample fact sheets includeforestland buffers, buffers for habitat and agricultural

land, and urban buffers. There are also tips on howto create a riparian buffer.

www.DelawareEstuary.orgThe Partnership for the Delaware Estuary launched

our new web site this April in conjunction with anonpoint source pollution advertising campaign. The

campaign features four images that will educate peopleabout the effects of nonpoint source pollution on our

waterways. Each image comes with a tip card to providethe public with the steps they can take on a daily basis to

address this type of pollution. See page 7 of this issue ofEstuary News to view this images. Look for our web site to

be updated over the coming months.

Page 11Spring 2001

estuary events

Upcoming Delaware Estuary Events and Happenings

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Darby Creek Clean-Up at John Heinz NWRSaturday, April 21, 2001, 8:00 a.m.John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at TinicumPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaThe Refuge invites you to lend a hand to improve habitat forplants and animals. Collect and remove debris along a stretchof Darby Creek. For groups larger than five people, please call(215) 365-3118 to register.

Earth DaySunday, April 22, 2001Help to celebrate the 31st Anniversary of Earth Day by participat-ing in a park clean-up, marking a storm drain, planting a tree, orjust enjoying the outdoors.

Earth Day – Eco WalkSaturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Brecknock Park, Camden, DelawareCome out and test your knowledge of the environment whileenjoying a stroll down “Eco-Lane” or participate in exciting exhibitsand interactive displays. All proceeds will benefit DelawareENVIROTHON. For more information, please call (302) 739-5361.

Teacher Workshop: Watersheds and Human ImpactThursday, May 3, 2001, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.Schuylkill Center for Environmental EducationPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaExplore basic watershed concepts as you take a watershed walkthrough an urban neighborhood. Learn the importance ofconserving and protecting water resources, and how you canincorporate these concepts with hands-on activities into theclassroom. Pre-registration is required. For more information,please call (215) 482-7300.

Native Plant SaleSaturday, May 5, 2001, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Sunday, May 6, 2001, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Ashland Nature CenterHockessin, DelawareShop for ferns, shrubs, trees, grasses, wildflowers, and aquaticplants. For more information, please call the Delaware NatureSociety at (302) 239-2334.

How Do Streams Find Their Courses?Saturday, May 12, 2001, 1:00 p.m.London Tract Meeting HouseLandenberg, PennsylvaniaJohn Talley of the Delaware Geological Survey will show how theland determines the meanders, oxbows, rapids, and gravel bars

along streams. These in turn determine the flora and fauna ofstreams. This event is jointly sponsored by the Society of NaturalHistory of Delaware and the Pennsylvania White Clay CreekPreserve. To register, please call (610) 274-2471.

Canoe West CreekSaturday, May 12, 2001Dennis TownshipCape May County, New JerseyWest Creek is a tidal waterway that borders Eldora NaturePreserve and supports salt marsh grasses and an array of wildlife.Take this rare opportunity to ply the waters and view one ofthe Bayshore’s little-known creeks. This trip is $10 for NatureConservancy members and $15 for nonmembers. Participantsmust provide their own canoes or kayaks. For more information,please call (609) 861-0600.

Wildlife Festival: A Diversity of LifeSaturday, May 19, 2001, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Bombay Hook National Wildlife RefugeSmyrna, DelawareA fun and educational family event with games, crafts, music,walking tours, and more. For more information, please call(302) 653-6672.

Delaware Bay DaySaturday, June 2, 2001Bivalve, New JerseyThe Delaware Bay Schooner Project’s Bay Day celebrates theunique maritime heritage and incredible natural resources of theBay. The festival will feature street and boat parades, environmen-tal activities for children and adults, blue crab races, oystershucking contests, river tours, and evening fireworks. For moreinformation, please call (856) 785-2060.

Gloucester County Water FestSunday, June 10, 2001, 11:00 a.m. – 4: p.m.Scotland Run ParkClayton, New JerseyThis event, sponsored by the Gloucester County Parks andRecreation Department and the Upper Maurice River WatershedAssociation, will feature crafts, displays, music, food and fun.For more information, please call (856) 881-0845.

“Water — Is Our Future Draining Away?”April and May 2001PA DEP is holding 12 forums across Pennsylvania to discussthe Commonwealth’s current and future water resource needs.For dates and locations, please call (717) 772-5807 or visitwww.dep.state.us.

Page 12 Volume 11 / Issue 3

Estuary News

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.1009 Philadelphia PikeWilmington, DE 19809

Address Correction Requested

US PostageNon-Profit Org

PAIDWilmington, DEPermit #1885

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

The Estuary News encourages reprinting of its articles in other publications. Estuary News is published quarterly bythe Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc., under an assistance agreement (CE-993985-03-0) with the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The purpose of this newsletter is to provide an open, informative dialogue onissues related to the Delaware Estuary Program. The viewpoints expressed here do not necessarily represent theviews of the Partnership or EPA, nor does mention of names, commercial products or causes constitute endorsementor recommendation for use. For information about the Delaware Estuary Program, call 1-800-445-4935.

What is the Delaware Estuary Program?The Delaware Estuary Program (DELEP) is a partnership of governmentalagencies, nonprofits, the private sector, and citizens working together torestore and protect the Delaware Estuary. It was established in 1988 andis one of 28 national estuary programs around the nation. The estuaryregion extends from Trenton, New Jersey to the mouth of the Delaware Bay.To learn more about DELEP activities, visit www.delep.org.

WHO IS THE PARTNERSHIP?The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc. is a private, nonprofitorganization established in 1996. The Partnership promotes the estuaryas a regional resource through public outreach and education. It also servesas the education, outreach, and fundraising arm for the Delaware EstuaryProgram. To find out how you can become a member, call the Partnershipat 1-800-445-4935 or visit our website at www.DelawareEstuary.org.

Send a Free Gift Subscriptiongive a friend a subscription to Estuary News

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Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.Kathy Klein, Executive Director1009 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809Tel: (302) 793-1701 / (800) 445-4935Fax: (302) 793-1666E-mail: partners@udel.edu

DELEP Program CoordinatorForsyth KineonTel: (609) 883-9500 x217 / Fax: (609) 883-9522E-mail: fkineon@drbc.state.nj.us

Environmental Protection AgencyIrene Purdy, EPA Region IITel: (212) 637-3845 / Fax: (212) 637-3889E-mail: purdy.irene@epa.gov

Catherine Libertz, EPA Region IIITel: (215) 814-2737 / Fax: (215) 814-2782E-mail: libertz.catherine@epa.gov

PennsylvaniaDesiree Henning DudleyDepartment of Environmental ProtectionTel: (610) 832-6102 / Fax: (610) 832-6133E-mail: henning.dudley.desiree@dep.state.pa.us

DelawareJohn KennelDepartment of Natural Resourcesand Environmental ControlTel: (302) 739-5726 x109 / Fax: (302) 739-3491E-mail: jkennel@state.de.us

New JerseyJay SpringerDepartment of Environmental ProtectionTel: (609) 341-3122 / Fax: (609) 633-1458E-mail: jspringe@dep.state.nj.us

Delaware River Basin CommissionDavid P. PollisonTel: (609) 883-9500 x255 / Fax: (609) 883-9522E-mail: pollison@drbc.state.nj.us

EditorsKathy Klein, Partnership for the Delaware EstuaryJoe Matassino, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Layout & DesignNancy A. Dubin

Delaware EstuaryProgram

Send me Estuary News via E-mailSend to: Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, 1009 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809

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