Print this page (pdf file)

The beaches, coves and inlets of the Delaware Bay are the site of the second largest concentration of birds migrating from North America to South America and back again each year. Part of what draws travelers like the red knot, sanderling and ruddy turnstone to the Bay is the abundance of horseshoe crab eggs on which the birds feast.

The undeveloped beaches also provide high quality habitat as the animals make their long and ancient journey. With the birds come thousands of bird watchers who help to fuel the region's economy along with waterfowl hunters, commercial and recreational fishermen, kayakers and other boaters who enjoy the pristine streams.

How long the Delaware Bay will continue to be such a natural wonder is uncertain. Unmanaged off-road vehicle use threatens the integrity of the region’s beaches and the wildlife habitat they provide. Each year, sprawl development creeps further and further in on the region's sensitive areas, and discharges from nuclear power plants kill millions of fish each day.

Sierra Club is working to maintain the health of the Delaware Bay by supporting regional planning, the acquisition of open space and the installation of cooling towers at nuclear power plants as well as stopping the over-harvesting of horseshoe crabs and updating water quality protections.

For more information, please contact Jeff Tittel at 609-656-7612.