State officials are closing the island off Cape May County to boaters to protect the birds that nest there - terns, piping plovers and black skimmers.
The news comes as a disappointment to boaters who relish the freedom of the sandbar. The state says the boaters - and their dogs - disturb the bird habitat.
State director of Fish and Wildlife David Chanda says there's a chance part of the island could be reopened - if conditions allow it.
Otherwise, conservation officers will be writing tickets to those who try to anchor there.
