BRWC Examines Health of Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay

The Bayshore Regional Watershed Council (BRWC) is an all-volunteer environmental group. Since 2000, the council has been working to improve the physical environment in the Bayshore region of Middlesex and Monmouth counties, New Jersey. The BRWC is made up of citizens, scientists, environmental commissioners, and municipal officials from a variety of Bayshore communities, from Old Bridge Township eastward to the Borough of Highlands. The council's goal is the restoration and conservation of Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay. This goal can only be accomplished, however, through active public participation by people in each Bayshore community.

Please consider becoming a member of the watershed council. BRWC meet the second Thursday of every month inside Keyport Borough Hall, located on Front Street. For more information, visit www.bayshorewatershed.org. 

Photo Credit: Joe Reynolds

On September 16, 2012, BRWC hosted a Free Seining Event of Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay.  One way to discover how healthy a natural body of water might be is to conduct a biological test, like seining.  Two people pull a long net through the shallow part of the water to capture fish, crabs, and anything else that lives along the shallow edge of the bay, mostly small and juvenile animals. After recording and taking a close look at what was found, participants then release the animals back into the water.

Seining is like a taking a brief health check to see the abundance and diversity of who's swimming in the water. In general, the more variety of life in the water, the healthy it is.  Four bayside beaches were tested: Cliffwood Beach in Aberdeen Township, Conaskonck Point in Union Beach, near the mouth of Pews Creek in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township, and near the mouth of Many Mind Creek in Atlantic Highlands.

Photo Credit: Joe Reynolds

The goal was to see if water quality in Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay, a gritty urban-suburban estuary downstream from New York City, was healthy during a late summer day. 

Among the catch was:

• Herring, including bluebacks and shad
• 4" Snapper Blues
• Atlantic Silversides 
• Striped Killifish by the handful
• Northern Pipefish
• Several species of drums
• Lots of comb jellies, mole crabs, and mud snails
• Skillet fish
• Juvenile Blennies

There was also an assortment of crabs and shrimps:

• Blue crabs
• Lady crabs
• Spider crabs
• Mud crabs
• Mole crabs
• Snapping shrimp 
• Shore shrimp

Pipefish found in Atlantic Highlands. Photo Credit: Joe Reynolds

In spite of the diversity, though, the turbidity was poor. The water was cloudy and turbid, so much so that in some places you could only see a few inches down. Perhaps this was due to recent rains that had washed in an abundance of sand, sediment, and other substances. There could have also been an abundance of algae floating in the water.  

To find out the full results of the seining survey, check out "Nature on the Edge of NYC:"  here.

Guilty! By Guest Blogger Rav Freidel

Rav Freidel of Concerned Citizens of Montauk wrote the following Letter to the Editor on August 3, 2012 to the East Hampton Star: 

I did it. I confess. I put up most of those “Tour for the Shore” road signs.  They’re all about stopping pollution in the ocean. Right now the battle lines are being drawn between big energy and the fisheries and the Atlantic Ocean is up for grabs. I eat fish, not oil. I’m on the side of the fish and those who make their living catching them. I want an ocean where you and your kids can swim, surf, go sailing and enjoy yourselves free of sewage, sludge, medical waste, toxic dredge spoils and BP type oil spills. I want an end to the acidification of our sea caused by burning carbon-based fuels. They’re cooking the life out of the planet. Half the coral reefs are dead or dying. The rest, I’m told, will be gone in 25 years. As they disappear so do the fish.

Creating a Clean Ocean Zone from Cape May to Montauk Point and out to the continental shelf is a very complicated issue. We’re not Exxon/Mobil with unlimited budgets and virtually every politician in the country on our payroll. The only way to get our message across on a shoestring was to use these signs. I hope people visit cleanoceanzone.org and find out more and write their congressmen and senators and tell them they want the ocean protected! No drilling. No LNG facilities. No dumping. No spills. No pollution, period. The only industrialization will be for clean, renewable energy.

A lot of work went into creating these signs. By themselves each one looks terrific. But in mass, it’s an eyesore. They’re visual pollution. I hate it —even if it’s for a good cause. For my money, all these signs should be banned. East Hampton Village has it right. Create a designated area for signs and that’s it. That goes for good causes and bad, for carnivals and politicians.

On August 24, at noon, Margo Pellegrino and her kayak and Sean Dixon on his ten-speed will arrive at Turtle Cove under the Montauk Lighthouse and complete their 256-mile journey from Cape May. I urge you to come out and join them and show your support for the Clean Ocean Zone.

All the signs will be gone on August 25. But the need to protect the ocean will still remain.     

Guest Blog: Elected Officials Decry Oil Exploration Plan

Senator Robert Menendez
D- NJ


"I write in opposition to the draft Environmental Impact Statement to allow seismic testing in the Mid Atlantic.  The only reason to allow seismic testing is to later allow oil drilling and we do not need oil spills on the Jersey Shore.

I find it interesting that part of the supposed justification to allow this testing is for renewable energy.  Doing seismic testing to site a wind turbine certainly seems like overkill to me unless the Department of Interior is aware of a wind turbine so large it needs to be anchored miles under the ocean floor. 

No, the real interest in seismic testing is clearly about allowing oil companies to try to drill off the East Coast, as close as Delaware waters.  Such drilling would threaten New Jersey’s $38 billion tourism industry (over half of which is based in our 4 coastal counties) and it will also threaten our robust commercial and recreational fishing industries.  When trash washed up on the New Jersey Shore in the 1980’s it cost our tourism industry $1 billion in revenue, and unlike trash, oil is difficult to clean up.  Over 20 years after the Exxon Valdez disaster, there is still 20,000 gallons of oil trapped in the beaches of Alaska.  We cannot and will not allow that to happen to the Jersey Shore.

Of course, seismic testing in and of itself is problematic.  Not only can it have significant impacts on marine mammals, but it has also been shown to negatively affect nearby fisheries.  Therefore, we should oppose seismic testing both to preserve our coastal economy and ecosystem now, as well as to protect it from potential oil spills in the future.  Thank you for your consideration."

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. 

NJ-06


"Thank you for having this public hearing. I am in Washington, DC voting today and therefore could not appear personally. I am glad that the public has this opportunity to inform and shape how the Department of Interior proceeds on the important issue of offshore drilling.


I am totally opposed to offshore drilling off the Atlantic Coast. My opposition includes any preparatory steps including seismic testing in our waters off the Atlantic Coast. The time and resources that the Department of Interior is allocating to seismic testing could be better used on higher priorities that will allow us to move away from dirty fuels and faster achieve U.S. energy independence through renewables such as wind and solar power.


We all know how important New Jersey's beaches are, not only to residents of our state, but also for countless visitors. Our beaches are a tremendous resource for those who come here to enjoy them, and they are a huge economic engine for our state. They're the primary driver of a tourism economy that supports nearly 500,000 jobs and generates $38 billion in economic activities for the state each year.


Seismic testing is the first step in the direction of opening up the Atlantic coast to oil drilling. Most drilling off the Atlantic coast would be deepwater drilling just like Deepwater Horizon. Yet in the two years since the BP spill none of the proposals recommended by the National Commission on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling have been put in place. There have been no improvements in worker safety regulations that will help ensure that another blow out will not cost 11 human lives. We need increased environmental review and planning that will ensure valuable fishing grounds and other ecological assets are not destroyed in the event of an oil leak.


The Department of Interior must halt this process and reconsider its priorities in ensuring American energy independence. The process you are embarking on will have severe consequences on our ocean environment, beaches, marine resources, and coastal economies in the short term and long term. Thank you for listening to my comments and I encourage you to fully consider the public’s input here today."


Assemblyman John F. McKeon

D-Essex
"The invasive procedure of blasting pulsating shocks of noise loud enough to penetrate deep into the sea bed and across vast ocean areas to search for possible oil and gas reserves, would degrade water quality and marine habitat, putting scores of sea life at risk and potentially destabilizing marine ecosystems;


Seismic exploration could also hurt commercial fisheries and prevent other clean ocean uses like surfing, boating, and other forms of coastal tourism, that would come to a halt when the surveys are ongoing;


The Jersey shore is the lifeblood of our state's more than $2.5 billion tourism and recreation industry, that generates about 72,000 jobs. Seismic surveys and offshore drilling in the Atlantic seaboard would put our coastal economy in peril;


We also cannot risk further contamination of our oceans from a possible oil spill. The worst environmental catastrophe in U.S. history caused by an explosion in a BP rig in the Gulf has shown us that oil and water are a deadly mix;


New Jersey's 127-mile coastline and high winds make our state a natural resource for harnessing an abundance of wind power. We should continue to tap into renewable and clean energy sources in the Outer Continental Shelf such as wind, water and currents, as an extension of our state's sound environmental and clean energy policies, that have the overwhelming mandate of its citizens;


Offshore drilling and oil exploration off the Atlantic Coast would reverse our progress in that direction. I urge President Obama to call off plans for seismic exploration and to place a permanent ban on offshore drilling in the Atlantic seaboard."


Assembly Utilities Chairman Upendra J. Chivukula
D-Somerset\Middlesex

"The United States needs to cure its addiction to dirty fuels, especially since the process of extracting natural gas and oil exploration through offshore drilling, could hurt coastal economies in the Atlantic seaboard and has the inherent danger of an oil spill;


"The deep penetration seismic exploration planned by the Obama Administration in the 330,032 square mile area between Florida and the Delaware Bay that extends down to a depth of 18,468 feet, would involve sending air gun blasts and sound waves into the seabed over vast ocean areas in search of oil and natural gas reserves. It would also include electromagnetic surveys and deep-stratigraphic and shallow test drilling;


"For dolphins, fish, whales and sea turtles, the loud blasting and repeated sound waves from this process can cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment and loss, serious injury from tissue trauma and hemorrhaging, or even death. It could interfere with migration patterns and mask social communications used to find food or mates and to identify predators;


"The potential returns from offshore drilling do not justify the risk to the coastal economies in the Atlantic seaboard and to marine and human life;


"Drilling in the Atlantic Ocean will not affect gasoline prices. Studies show that we would only save at most a few cents per gallon and only 15-20 years after drilling starts. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (UEIA), there is only enough Atlantic Ocean oil to fuel the U.S. for 209 days and natural gas to last 14 months (at current consumption levels);

"We already have sufficient natural gas reserves to meet domestic needs and are projected to become a net exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2016, a net pipeline exporter in 2025, and an overall net exporter of natural gas in 2021. The natural gas share of electric power generation is projected to increase from 24 percent in 2010 to 27 percent in 2035. Domestic crude oil production is expected to grow by more than 20 percent over the coming decade, pushing production to 6.7 million barrels per day in 2020, a level not seen since 1994;


"Renewable sources of energy are expected to grow from 10 percent in 2010 to 16 percent by 2035. By increasing investment in clean energy and energy efficiency, we would reduce our addiction to dirty fuels, protect our water quality and marine habitat from potential degradation from offshore drilling and prevent the danger of an oil spill;


"I call on President Obama to continue the sound environmental and energy policies of his Administration to fast track a clean energy economy and to call off plans for seismic exploration and offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean, that could have a devastating impact on the Jersey shore."

Guest Blogger: Brian Linton, United By Blue

Growing up in Singapore ignited my passion for our fragile oceans and its inhabitants. I became fascinated by fish and at one point I kept over 30 fish tanks in my childhood bedroom.  Living so close to the ocean also showed me firsthand the damaging effects that humans were having on our seas.

Four years ago, I started my first eco-venture, an ocean-friendly jewelry line called Sand Shack, which donated 5% of its profits to ocean conservation efforts. At the end of the day I was left with the same burning question: what kind of difference were my donations making on our oceans? That’s when I created a unique business model in 2010, which would associate each business transaction with a concrete environmental action.

United By Blue is an ocean-friendly brand of apparel, which removes a pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold from our line of organic t-shirts, canvas bags and jewelry. We don’t pay anyone to take out the trash: our staff jumps at the chance get our hands dirty. In just under two years, UBB has removed over 80,000 pounds of trash during 60 cleanups in 15 states and two countries.

Our distribution has grown from a few specialty stores to over 100 stores throughout the country and Japan. United By Blue’s story and products have been featured everywhere from the Wall Street Journal to GQ. Our business model allows our impact to grow as fast as our business does.

Even before United By Blue was founded, I greatly admired Clean Ocean Action’s dedication to turning the tide of our oceans’ future.  After all, it doesn’t matter if it is a UBB customer in Kansas or a Clean Ocean Action supporter on the Jersey Shore-- we are all United By Blue. 

Brian Linton, United By Blue’s Founder and Chief Trash Collector

Guest Blogger: Quincy Mumford

I remember the first time I ever heard about Clean Ocean Action. It was a few years back, and I just started my career as a local musician. Because I was new, I naturally looked up to the other great and well know bands in the Asbury Park area. My father told me that DeSol and P Dub Assassins were playing a benefit concert on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. I loved both of these bands and still do very much. Before I jumped in the car to go see the show, I asked my father what the event was for. He told me it was to raise money for an organization called Clean Ocean Action. I liked the sound of the name, but I wanted to find out more about this organization and see if there was anyway for me to get involved. We went to the show, both bands were amazing, and I picked up a bunch of information to see how I could get involved. 

                It turned out that my dad had been working with Clean Ocean Action for years, by donating a ton of food for their events (my father is a chef). Because my music is very beach inspired, and I grew up surfing and living only a mile from the beach, I felt like it made sense to be involved musically with COA. As my name grew a little bigger in the area, I contacted COA to play for one of their events. It was at a beach club in Sea Bright, NJ , where they were raising money for COA and raising awareness about the over use of plastics. Walking into the outside tent was mind blowing! They had plastic tops hanging from the tent as decorations, massive beach balls everywhere, and tons of amazing food. I remember eating so much I could not move! My band (Quincy Mumford and the Reason Why) played with another great local band that day, Random Test Reggae Band. We both got a great response, and I could see a promising relationship with COA. Since that day, my family has been a big supporter of COA, and I have turn on a lot of other people to COA because they deserve the support.

                When the band and I got the idea a few months ago to record a live album, it made sense to involve some organizations and put some money in their pockets. We came up with the idea to record a live album and DVD over the course of two days, we picked March 2nd and March 3rd, 2012. We planned for it to be three shows over two days, Friday night, Saturday night, and Saturday during the day for an all ages crowd. There are so many people that have been telling us that they love us even better live then our records. Well, we listened, and now we are putting on these three shows to please our fans! We felt like it would be a great idea to involve some organizations, Clean Ocean Action came to mind first. We gave them a call, along with Surfrider Foundation, and told them that we wanted to donate all of our ticket sales for these live shows to them! We got some great sponsors involved to cover the cost of production, so that all of the proceeds made from these shows, will go straight into Surfrider and COA’s pockets! 

                I have always been a big fan of Clean Ocean Action. Not just because they keep our beaches clean, or keep the plastic bags out of the ocean, or keep our ocean wild life healthy. I am a fan of COA because of their real “go get ‘em” attitude. They are always the first to come up with new ideas, and plans to keep the ocean the way it should be. Like their new plan to create the first ever “Clean Ocean Zone”. When we had a meeting about the show, they told me about the Clean Ocean Zone, and it blew my mind! COA is smart, active, and an effective organization. They are strong, with a great support from the community. I am proud to be connected with them, and I am stoked to have them on board for the recording of our live album. It is going to be a great event full of good vibes, good music, and all for a great cause. Get your ticket today at quincymumford.com!

Cheers!

Q-Mumf

Guest Blogger: Joe Reynolds

Celebrate Winter Wildlife!  Sunday, Feb. 19


Even though the winter season has been mild, many people unfortunately still shun the beach this time of year. You shouldn't be one of these people. Get outside!

Winter is really a great time to bundle up and take a walk along the shore to see some magnificent coastal wildlife that can only be spotted during the winter, particularly seals. Each year, numerous seals, including Harbor Seals, migrate 500 miles or more starting in November from the cold waters of Maine and Canada to the Jersey Shore. They can be found in particular abundance within Sandy Hook Bay. 

These large marine mammals are not always in the water though. During the daytime seals will often haul out to rest and digest food on remote sandy beaches, exposed sandbars, rocks, piers, and jetties. The seals are wild animals. They are a sight to behold in the local environment, downstream from New York City and within the largest urban-suburban coastline in the world.

Though seals are common winter residents, they are not always easy to spot, either resting on land or bobbing their heads in the water. Seals are shy and sensitive wild animals, and will swim off if people get too close.

One of the best ways to see seals without stressing them out is on a naturalist-guided seal walk. On Sunday, February 19, 2012 Clean Ocean Action is hosting a guided seal walk at Sandy Hook with me as your leader. This is a great opportunity not only for adults but for children as well. It promises to be a fun event and a wonderful way to lean more about marine mammals.

We will meet up in the morning and walk to a remote area along the bay where seals haul out, sometimes in large numbers. This will provide everyone a chance for an excellent wildlife sighting, while at the same time staying far enough away to not disturb the seals resting onshore. 

Best of all, afterwards we will enjoy brunch and the sight of live penguins from Jenkinson's Aquarium at Waters Edge in nearby Sea Bright, NJ. For those who are lovers of seals (and really who isn't) and other coastal wildlife this event on Sunday, February 19, 2012 is for you. Sign up now before it sells out!

To register for the seal walk, please visit Clean Ocean Action's website at http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/

General Information about the Seal Walk: The walk will take approximately one and half hours and will be one mile round trip. The walk is suitable for children over 5 years of age. Please be prepared for the weather, i.e., wear warm clothing in layers (outerwear should be in muted colors). Hats, gloves, and warm waterproof shoes are recommended, as are cameras, binoculars, and spotting scope.   

Joe Reynolds

Join ImaginOcean friends at Beach Sweeps!

Have you heard that our goods friends, Dorsel, Tank and Bubbles, from John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean will be joining us for our Beach Sweeps in 2011?! 

Check out what they have to say about the day--and join us!