Historically, before the effects of DDT caused the state’s osprey population to decline, over 500 osprey nests could be found along New Jersey’s coastline. By 1974 only 50 nests remained.  The effects of DDT in the food chain caused reproduction to fail, and habitat was lost with a burgeoning shore population that eliminated many trees and increased ground predator populations. In NJ the osprey was listed as endangered in 1974 by the state.  Recovery began when DDT use was banned, and biologists coordinated efforts to supply man-made nest platforms for the birds.  These new artificial nest platforms replaced the snags and trees that were lost as the barrier islands became more developed.

"By 1974 only 50 nests remained."

By 1986 the osprey population had surpassed 100 pairs, sparking the decision to upgrade their status to threatened in the state.  Since that time, the Endangered and Nongame Species Program staff has worked to monitor and manage the population, tracking their nest success every year with a core group of volunteers, and censusing the population every three years.  In 2006 the NJ osprey population hit a new post-DDT record of just over 400 active nests, not far below the estimated historic population of 450 to 500 nests.

The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ plays an active role in helping to conserve and protect the statewide population of Ospreys. It is our goal to help the population recover to the historic level of over 500 nesting pairs. Our Osprey Project seeks to raise private funding through donations, fundraising campaigns, private platform installations, and educational presentations to help Ospreys in New Jersey. We also sponsor Eagle Scouts with projects that seek to install osprey platforms along coastal areas of New Jersey.

"In 2009, over 485 nests were observed in New Jersey."

Since 2007, over 50 artificial nesting platforms have been placed throughout New Jersey, most in areas where suitable habitat exists with few nesting structures. We have concentrated most of our work on Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor, and Great Bays. We work very closely with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program and assist with osprey surveys and nestling banding during nesting season. To follow our work, please visit our blog: NJ Osprey Project Blog