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Important Bird and Birding Areas
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Shark River
Monmouth CountyCoordinates: N 40.19407
W 74.06262
Piedmont Plains: New England / Mid-Atlantic CoastArea: 2,044 Acres Habitat: Riparian habitat and open waterSite Description: Shark River is actually a tidally influenced bay which consists of the confluence of four freshwater streams, the adjacent mudflats, salt marsh and the inlet connecting the bay to the Atlantic Ocean. This IBA includes the 933-acre Shark River Park, the Monmouth County Park System's first park, opened in 1961.IBA Criteria:
| Criterion | Species |
| Conservation Concern – Conservation Priority (W) | American Black Duck, Brant |
| Significant Congregations (W) | Waterfowl |
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| Brants in flight | Michael Hogan |
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Birds: Shark River provides important wintering habitat for many species of waterfowl including American Wigeons, Buffleheads, Common Mergansers, Greater Scaup, Brant and American Black Ducks.Conservation: The high intensity development that characterizes this region contributes significant amounts of nonpoint source pollution from residential and agricultural runoff and boats. Additional protection and restoration of undeveloped sites should be achieved through conservation easements, acquisition, purchase of development rights, enforcement of existing regulations and by encouraging landowners to participate in restoration through state and federal incentive programs. A portion of Shark River is permanently protected as open space by Monmouth County’s Shark River Park. The Shark River Cleanup Coalition Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to ensure the ecological and economic integrity of the Shark River estuary by enhancing water quality, improving and protecting wildlife habitat and protecting recreational and commercial uses from degradation. Their efforts include advocacy for protection regulation, restoration projects, monitoring and education.Additional Information: Site Report
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| Shark River | Nancy Smith |
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