Dogs will only be allowed at Fisherman’s Cove in Manasquan during certain hours
Fisherman's Cove. (Image: Borough of Manasquan)
Dogs will only be allowed at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan during certain hours throughout the summer season in order to avoid conflicts and allow for equal access, Monmouth County officials announced.
The Monmouth County Park System, which has jurisdiction over the area, says Fisherman’s Cove — well known as the “dog beach” — has been “more popular than ever” due to recent improvements at the site and along the Manasquan Inlet.
According to the new regulation, dogs are not permitted on the Fisherman’s Cove beach between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. But dogs are permitted on the beach prior to 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., providing they are leashed and under control.
Dogs will be permitted on upland trails during the aforementioned hours if they are leashed and under control.
“Dog owners and non-dog owners alike use the site,” according to a statement posted on the Borough of Manasquan Facebook page. “In addition, other activities including kayak launching, bird watching, and fishing take place. People with younger children avoiding the ocean waves and walkers – all without dogs – are now using the site.”
Officials hope that the new policy will help avoid conflict and provide for equal access.
Many took to social media to express displeasure.
“Reducing the rights of year-round residents is one thing, but this new ‘dog beach’ rule of no dogs on the “DOG BEACH,” even if only for certain hours, is absolutely absurd!!!” wrote Karen Goeller on the Borough of Manasquan Facebook page. “We pay taxes all year round and dog owners give A LOT money to the towns for dog licenses each year.”
Debbie Fogel Seidner wrote that the regulation is “pitful” and “a real shame.”
“Obviously not made in favor of the majority of those who utilize this area,” she wrote, “but in favor of the very few who could easily continue to bird watch, kayak and dip there toes without waves.”
But Eric Noble sees it is differently.
“Rules sound reasonable to me,” he wrote. “Dog owners get the morning and afternoons.”
Anyone with questions about the new policy is asked to contact the Monmouth County Park System at (732) 842-4000.
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