"Prior to 1950, there were over 500 active osprey nests in New Jersey. Loss of habitat and the use of pesticides, particulary DDT, caused their population to decrease dramatically. By 1973 only 50 nesting pairs were found in the state. The osprey and many other predators were an endangered species. Following an extensive restoration project [including the establishment of artificial nesting platforms], the osprey population was upgraded to threatened status in 1995" (Island Beach State Park Visitor Guide, 2005, page 6).

"The biennial aerial osprey survey in 2001 tallied 340 pairs in the state [of New Jersey], the majority of which were located along the atlantic coast" (Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of New Jersey, edited by Bruce E. Beans and Larry Niles, Rutgers University Press, 2003, page 85)

Island Beach State Park hosts approximately 27 pairs of osprey.