Sunset Seining In Belmar With The American Littoral Society

Last summer, the American Littoral Society held its first Sunset Seining event at Maclearie Park in Belmar, New Jersey. The event, held in partnership with the Shark River Cleanup Coalition and the Belmar Environmental Commission, brought together nature enthusiasts of all ages for an unforgettable ecological experience on the banks of the Shark River Inlet.

Under the expert guidance of the Littoral Society’s Program Coordinator, Samantha Hemming, small groups waded carefully into the shallow water with a large weighted seining net to discover the wonders of marine life at the Jersey Shore.

As the nets were pulled back to the shoreline, excited children and adults alike placed their catches into a blue plastic kiddie pool, gathering around to see the living treasures that had been scooped from the water. As the event leader, Hemming’s role is to provide a few ground rules, such as not stepping on the net to avoid damaging it and harming the fish, and to help participants identify the species found. She describes each creature’s role in the ecosystem and their fascinating life histories.

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Shark River Estuary: A Safe Habitat For Growth

Hemming describes the Shark River Inlet as an important nursery for fish, crabs, snails, and more.

“By getting into the water and discovering what’s living beneath the surface, participants see the inlet in a new way,” she explained. “The biodiversity there really shows how important this estuary is as a nursery for marine life.”

In addition to an abundance of Atlantic Silverside fish, the group caught about 10 different species of sea life. We saw baby crabs and jellyfish, along with native shrimp and rarer finds such as a baby sea bass, a North Atlantic pufferfish, and a sleek pipefish.

RELATED READING: Discover The Coastal Birds of Belmar, New Jersey

“I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of species we caught in the Shark River Inlet,” Hemming said. “The North Atlantic pufferfish was definitely a highlight of the evening. They used to be much more plentiful in our waters, so seeing juveniles is always encouraging, and of course, their puffing behavior is a crowd-pleaser.”

“The native pipefish, a relative of the seahorse,” she added, “has a scaly texture instead of the typical ‘slimy’ feel, which makes them easier for hesitant participants to hold. They’re adorable, almost like tiny water snakes, and always spark a lot of conversation.”

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Sunset Seining In Belmar: A Hands-On Connection To Environmental Conservation

For many participants, the event wasn’t just about the catch-and-release experience. It was a chance to connect with the coastal life in a new way, to see firsthand the life beneath the bay, and to better understand the importance of protecting New Jersey’s fragile marine habitats. Parents at the event watched their children learn about sea life with wide-eyed wonder and the importance of handling tiny fish, baby crabs, and other species with the utmost care.

“Sunset seining is one of my favorite programs because it gives participants a hands-on way to discover why our coasts deserve protection,” Hemming said. “The best part is watching hesitation turn into fascination. Sometimes participants won’t go near a fish at the start, but by the end, they’re holding one and asking questions. Seeing that transformation, curiosity replacing fear, never gets old.”

By all accounts, sunset seining in Belmar provided an important reminder of how lucky we are to live among such an abundance of natural beauty. Community-based conservation programs like those from the American Littoral Society can make an incredible Impact on people and our planet.

RELATED READING: Area Attractions - Shark River Bridge Scenic Overlook

“Events such as Sunset Seining bring the waterway to life, highlights why clean water matters, and builds a sense of stewardship for our coastal environment. Doing this at sunset adds to the experience because it’s a beautiful time of day that makes the experience feel special and memorable,” Hemming said. “Close encounters with marine life can spark a lasting sense of wonder and a stronger personal connection to our coastlines. That connection is what inspires people to care for and protect these ecosystems.”

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Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House

Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore.

The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page.

RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events.

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