Sunset Seining In Belmar With The American Littoral Society

Belmar Beachcomber Blog
1 day ago
4 min read

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, participants 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, their role in the ecosystem, and their fascinating life histories.

Shark River Estuary: A Safe Habitat For Growth

“The Shark River Inlet is 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. The biodiversity there really shows how important this estuary is as a nursery for marine life,” Hemming said.

In addition to an abundance of Atlantic Silverside fish, the group caught about 10 different species of sea life, from baby crabs and jellyfish, to 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.”

Seining: 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 in an area with such abundant natural beauty and how community-led conservation efforts can make a lasting impact.

“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.”

The American Littoral Society will be hosting future Sunset Seining events in Belmar and other locations. For the latest schedule, visit the Upcoming Events section of the organization’s website.

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