About Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, at Mullica River and Great Bay, is the only reserve in the national system to be named after an individual. It's also the only one in the reserve system to expand its boundaries seaward to the Atlantic Ocean. The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses approximately 115,000 acres in southeastern New Jersey, including a great variety of terrestrial, wetland and aquatic habitats within the Mullica River-Great Bay ecosystem. The Reserve is a concentrated patchwork of federal and state lands managed in partnership through a variety of agencies. With little more than 1% of the Reserve subjected to human development, this area is regarded as one of the least disturbed estuaries in the densely populated urban corridor of the Northeastern United States. Occurring within the unique New Jersey Pinelands forest ecosystem, on the coastal plain and the barrier islands of the coastal margin, the Mullica River-Great Bay estuary is of special ecological value. The high environmental quality of the habitats within the Cousteau Reserve are consistent with the objective of the Reserve system to preserve areas which retain a healthy ecosystem and provide the opportunity to serve the needs of long-term research and monitoring programs. Public programs and training workshops are offered at the Coastal Education Center visit www.jcnerr.org for mor information on programs.
How to Get There
Jacques Cousteau Coastal Education Center: Take the New Jersey Garden State Parkway - Exit 58 (Rt. 539). Go south on Rt. 539 towards the Tuckerton Seaport/Borough of Tuckerton. At the third light (intersection with Route 9) go right onto Route 9 south. At the next traffic light, go left onto Great Bay Blvd. The entrance is ~ 1/4 mile on the right hand side, just after the Radio Road intersection. Look for a shell driveway and a silver mailbox (#130) on your right. The building is set back slightly from the road. Hours vary. Life on the Edge Interpretive Center. Take the New Jersey Garden State Parkway - Exit 58 (Rt. 539). Go south on Rt. 539 towards the Tuckerton Seaport/Borough of Tuckerton. At the third light (intersection with Route 9) go right onto Route 9 south. Turn left into the Tuckerton Seaport Baymans Museum entrance. The Life on the Edge Exhibit is upstairs in the main entrance building. Exhibit is free, open 10:00 to 5:00 PM daily
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve
Heading to Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve?
No central reservation system listed for Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3088) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve?
Jacques Cousteau Coastal Education Center: Take the New Jersey Garden State Parkway - Exit 58 (Rt. 539). Go south on Rt. 539 towards the Tuckerton Seaport/Borough of Tuckerton. At the third light (intersection with Route 9) go right onto Route 9 south. At the next traffic light, go left onto Great Bay Blvd. The entrance is ~ 1/4 mile on the right hand side, just after the Radio Road intersection. …
How do I contact Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve?
You can reach the park at phone: 609-812-0649 x 206 or email: jcnerr@marine.rutgers.edu.
References & Official Resources
