Poo-llution Sniffing Dogs Back by Poop-ular Demand

This month’s Rally for the Navesink meeting was for the dogs! On November 29th, Karen Reynolds, President of Environmental Canine Services (ECS), joined us at the final meeting of the year for an informative meet and greet with the amazing poo-llution sniffing dogs, Remi and Kai.

ECS trains canines to detect the presence of human sewage contamination in water, which may be caused by leaking sewer lines, failing septic systems, and illicit pipe connections. The dog handlers use the canine responses to conduct immediate source tracking, so that sources of human fecal pollution can be rapidly identified and ultimately fixed. During the last week of November, two teams from ECS, consisting of dog and handler, investigated several hotspots of fecal pollution throughout the Navesink River watershed. COA collaborated with municipal officials and employees, NJDEP, and Monmouth County Health Department to support ECS’ investigation throughout the watershed.

BOEM Releases Draft Wind Energy Areas for the NY-NJ Bight

After reviewing comments and feedback on the initial call areas, BOEM has released the draft wind energy areas, which are areas where developers may seek a federal lease for development of offshore wind energy facilities. These areas, once finalized will be subject to environmental review and eventually offered for sale to offshore wind developers.

While the draft areas released by BOEM are significantly smaller than the initial call areas, the draft would still see large areas open for wind energy development. The map outlines the draft areas. In dark green are the primary recommendations which, according to the agency, present the least amount of conflict with a potential offshore wind development. The light green are the secondary recommendations which are slightly more conflicted areas, where BOEM will seek additional information.

Draft Wind Energy Areas published by BOEM

Clean Ocean Action will attend the NY-NJ Bight Task Force Meeting and will continue to monitor all offshore wind development to ensure that any development does not jeopardize our coastal and marine ecosystem.

Ocean in Motion

On Friday, November 2nd supporters of Clean Ocean Action came out for the annual fundraising event at Windows on the Water at Surfrider Beach Club in Sea Bright, NJ. The theme of this year’s event was Ocean in Motion, an ode to the charismatic marine species making their annual migrations just off New Jersey’s coast.

There was certainly no lack of motion on land as guests danced away to live music provided by The Danjos and The Jukebox Criminals. Guests were also treated to a raw bar provided by Lusty Lobster, appetizers, dinner and desserts provided by Executive Chef Pete Cruz, complimentary beer and wine from Shore Point Distributing Company, and delicious mixed cocktails provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The excitement continued throughout the night thanks to a 50/50 Raffle, a robust Silent Auction and a suspense filled raffle of a brand new Yamaha scooter. All of the funds raised from this event will support Clean Ocean Action’s vital efforts to improve and protect the coastal waters in the NY/NJ region.

COA is grateful to the remarkable committee: Ashley Bissett, Doug & Debi Douty, Cynthia Fair, Patsy Guttenplan, Mark Haviland, Sandy Henning, Kari Martin, Valerie Montecalvo, Mary Thompson, Mary Jane O’Hare, Debbie Schluter, Stevie Thompson, Peeka Tildesley, Linda Walker, Lisa Wilson, and Jeannette Yorke.

Waves of thanks to our sponsors and supporters including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Thompson Memorial Home, Litwin and Provence, World Subaru, Main One Marina, Windows on the Water, and the Lusty Lobster.

NRPA and COA Team Up to Educate Staten Island’s Youth

As a follow-up to last year’s extremely successful pilot, this year’s Staten Island Student Summit grew into a seaside symposium where 150 students, teachers and chaperones spent a sunny, crisp fall morning celebrating, exploring and learning about the local ecology and about how citizens can make a difference in the quality of their environment.

 Over twenty local naturalists, conservation experts and environmental educators volunteered their time to share their knowledge and experience with middle schoolers from all over the Island.  This collaborative event, hosted by Great Kills Park and coordinated by Clean Ocean Action and the Natural Resources Protective Association, was a huge success again this year.  Our thanks go out to everyone who donated their time to bring their students, lead field trips, deliver a mini-lesson, serve snacks and shoot photos and videos.