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Assessment and Classification of New Jersey's Fresh WatersHigh water quality and habitat standards necessary for the survival and successful reproduction of trout have made these fishes useful bio-indicators of stream health. Today, waters of the state are classified according to their suitability to support trout. Lakes are classified based on their ability to support trout year round, whereas streams are classified on the occurrence of natural reproduction and the presence or absence of trout and/or trout associated species. Ultimately, the more suitable a waterway is to supporting trout the higher the classification and the more protection it will receive. The Department's Land Use Regulation Program, through Stream Encroachment, Freshwater Wetlands, and the more recently developed Storm Water Management rules acknowledge the fragile nature of these ecosystems and provide additional protective measures. 2015 Surface Water Classification Assessments(pdf, 135kb) Rivers and Streams
Although a vast amount of work has been accomplished in classifying New Jersey waters, waters continue to be classified and reclassified according to their trout supporting capabilities, when justified by additional field investigation data collected by the Bureau. The official surface water classification of waters is changed by the NJDEP Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring through an established rule making process. Every year, electrofishing surveys are conducted by the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries strictly for classification purposes. Data obtained are used to not only support potential changes to individual surface water classifications in the SWQS, but also confirm existing classifications. Lakes and Reservoirs
A water temperature-dissolved oxygen profile is conducted in the deepest part of a lake using a YSI meter with cable marked in one-foot increments. Measurements are generally taken at 5 to 10 foot intervals, but more frequently (1-ft increments) when marked changes are observed (typically in the metalimnion). A secchi disk (also marked in one-foot increments) is used to measure water transparency. The criteria used to determine trout-supporting water is water temperature below 21ºC (69.8ºF) and dissolved oxygen greater than 4 mg/L. |
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