The Murphy Administration is proposing to remove the bald eagle and osprey from New Jersey’s list of endangered species, reflecting decades of work to restore these birds to the state’s landscape, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.
The proposed de-listing is included in a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rule proposal published in the New Jersey Register. This decision is based on findings that populations of these birds have recovered sufficiently to ensure their survival in the state.
The rule proposal includes additions, deletions, and conservation status updates to the state’s endangered species list and list of nongame wildlife. It also aims to align the state's endangered species list with legislative intent. The DEP will accept public comments on the rule proposal through August 2, 2024.
“The de-listing of eagles and ospreys is a milestone in the history of wildlife conservation in New Jersey and is a testament to the dedication of DEP professionals and volunteers who over the years stood watch over nests in all forms of weather, nurtured hatchlings, and worked tirelessly to educate the public about the importance of sustaining wildlife diversity,” said Commissioner LaTourette.
“Because of their efforts, people across the state today can thrill at the sight of bald eagles gliding above their massive tree-top nests or ospreys diving into a coastal creek to snare a fish,” Commissioner LaTourette continued. “While we celebrate these successes, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that these species continue to thrive and be ever mindful that endangered species continue to need our help.”
David Golden, Assistant Commissioner of NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, remarked on the significance: “The recovery of these species from near extirpation during the 1980s in New Jersey is a dramatic example of what is possible when regulations, science, and public commitment come together for a common purpose. With focused attention on other species of greatest conservation need, future recovery success stories are also possible.”
Under the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this past December, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) is responsible for protecting threatened, endangered, and nongame species.
The proposed de-listing results from ENSP's efforts over many years with numerous partners and volunteers leading to steady increases in bird populations over recent decades. Today, bald eagles are found throughout New Jersey with high concentrations along Delaware Bay due to its protected marshlands and coastal creeks providing ideal habitats.
In 2023, New Jersey recorded 267 nesting pairs of bald eagles with 255 laying eggs—a stark contrast from just one remaining nest in Cumberland County during the late 1970s due to DDT use and habitat degradation.
DDT was banned by the federal government in 1972 after it caused significant damage by accumulating in fish consumed by eagles leading them to lay thin-shelled eggs that could not withstand incubation. Recovery efforts began earnestly in New Jersey during the early 1980s with reintroduction programs showing positive results through artificial incubation and fostering techniques. By 2012 active nests surpassed 100 for the first time since prior decades reaching 119; this number more than doubled ten years later totaling 250 nests.
“The recovery and de-listing of bald eagles and ospreys is a huge milestone for our state,” said ENSP Chief Kathy Clark. “Many people have worked for years and decades to bring these species back from the brink including biologists volunteers as well as those who protect habitat for rare wildlife.”
The federal government removed bald eagles from its endangered species list in 2007 acknowledging national population gains while maintaining cautious protection measures within New Jersey due primarily during breeding seasons under current proposals transitioning them into special concern categories post-de-listing status changes reflecting stable non-breeding conditions without neglecting potential threats posed towards nesting disturbances alongside habitat issues still prevalent today
Osprey commonly known as fish hawks inhabit coastal regions hunting fish across marshes creeks bays currently listed threatened within NJ classified stable following new rules addressing past declines experienced significantly owing largely previous heavy pesticide applications particularly noted mid-20th century periods resulting rapid decreases reduced approximately fifty statewide active nests reported early seventies period marking subsequent intervention initiatives implemented aimed reversing downward trends via strategic egg relocations supported platform constructions enhancing successful fledging rates culminating record-breaking achievements documented latest surveys conducted recently reporting unprecedented eight hundred confirmed occupied nesting sites
Further information regarding ongoing conservation activities surrounding both avian subjects available respective departmental websites inclusive annual reports biological historical data visual content accessible online resources detailing comprehensive project insights supporting broader educational outreach endeavors promoting sustained ecological awareness proactive engagement among community stakeholders collectively contributing towards long-term preservation objectives envisioned agency mission directives
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