Cape May County's oyster industry helps the local economy. (Photo courtesy of Cape May County)
Cape May County’s strategic investment in science-based oyster bed enhancement is delivering measurable economic and environmental benefits for the local shellfish industry, according to a recent presentation to the Board of County Commissioners.
Craig Tomlin, of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Shellfisheries, highlighted the results of a collaborative oyster transplanting and enhancement program in which Cape May County dedicated $44,000 in economic development funding to support commercial shellfisheries.
The investment helped to advance oyster bed enhancement efforts that directly benefit working oyster operations in local waters, Tomlin reported.
Cape May County plays an outsized role in New Jersey’s aquaculture economy, with 12 of the state’s 80 commercial aquaculture licenses operating locally, according to a county news release.
The county’s support contributed to the 2025 oyster transplant of 57,800 bushels into productive harvesting areas.
As a result, industry quotas increased by more than 24,000 bushels, or approximately 302 additional bushels per license – strengthening the long-term viability of local oyster businesses, the release stated.
Economic outcomes were equally compelling. NJDEP data show that for every $1 invested in oyster transplanting, the industry realizes an average return of $13.
In 2025 alone, Cape May County’s $44,000 investment generated an estimated $311,000 increase in harvester income across the industry. This data reinforces the value of targeted, science-driven economic development initiatives, county officials said.
“This is a clear example of how smart, data-driven investments can produce real results for our local economy,” Cape May County Board of Commissioners Director Leonard Desiderio said in the release.
“By partnering with NJDEP and supporting oyster bed enhancement, Cape May County is helping our commercial oyster operators grow their businesses. These investments protect an historic maritime industry and strengthen our coastal economy. Money well spent that is delivering an exceptional return for county taxpayers,” Desiderio continued.
The oyster bed enhancement program relies on industry-supported funding mechanisms, including a self-imposed shell tax that supports research, transplanting, and enhancement work.
Cape May County’s participation helped offset rising costs associated with shell material, trucking and planting, while accelerating benefits to licensed growers.
County officials emphasized that the program not only boosts economic output but also supports sustainable fisheries management and the long-term health of New Jersey’s coastal waters.
“Economic development isn’t always about bricks and mortar – it’s also about supporting the industries that define Cape May County,” said County Commissioner Bob Barr, who leads the county’s Economic Development Initiative.
“This investment in oyster bed enhancement directly supports our local aquaculture businesses, ecosystem and delivers a proven return that benefits both the industry and the broader county economy,” Barr added.
