The state Department of Environmental Protection is joining conservation groups in objecting to plans to conduct seismic testing of ocean sediments off Barnegat Bay.

The proposal, approved by the National Marine Services earlier this week, will be challenged in federal court by the Christie administration, according to a letter from DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. The challenge will be filed today, according to the DEP.

The issue is a contentious one, with conservationists interested in protecting the Jersey Shore’s coastal resources saying the blasting will adversely impact marine life, including dolphins and whales.

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