The environmental impact of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) has been intensively studied in the New Jersey Coastal Plain, but the benthic foraminiferal response, reflecting bottom water conditions, has not been documented at high resolution. We use benthic foraminiferal data across the Paleocene-Eocene boundary in cores from Wilson Lake (WL) and Bass River (BR) to recognize 5 foraminiferal associations (based on species clusters). Their varying abundances allow the identification of a stratigraphic succession of 8 distinct biofacies across the studied interval. Uppermost Paleocene biofacies 1 corresponds to the glauconitic sands of the Vincentown Formation and contains rare, small planktic foraminifera and a diverse benthic fauna. Sediments accumulated slowly in a sufficiently oxygenated, outer neritic setting (depth: 100-110 m at WL, 140-150 m at BR) under fairly oligotrophic conditions. The embayment was storm-dominated and influenced by strong currents, inhibiting deposition of suspended fine particles (e.g., planktic foraminifera, clay) and enhancing re-suspension. No significant pre-PETM environmental changes are detected in the benthic foraminiferal assemblages.