The Health of the Ocean

Take a deep breath. Now take another deep breath. The oxygen you inhaled for your second breath came from the ocean. The ocean is a gift to all of us as it provides 70% of the world’s oxygen according to National Geographic. Specifically, phytoplankton, tiny organisms found at the water’s surface, are responsible for producing much of the air we breathe. As you can see, the health of the ocean directly affects us and, unfortunately, the ocean is under the weather.

Our planet is warming, with 2015 officially the hottest year ever recorded. A warming planet leads to a warming ocean, which leads to many harmful and life threatening affects. These affects include, coral bleaching or ‘whitening’ of coral, rising ocean temperatures, and ocean acidification. The ocean has already lost around 40% of its coral reefs. Coral reefs are vitally important for the ocean ecosystem, supporting a quarter of all marine life. Loss of coral reefs affects the ocean’s food chain and the food supply for many nations who depend on the fishing industry. 

Researchers have also found that the ocean is absorbing over 90% of heat energy generated by manmade greenhouse gas emissions.  This accelerates the warming of the waters and warm water holds less oxygen.

As more carbon dioxide is spewed into the atmosphere, the ocean is becoming more acidic. The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is being absorbed by the ocean and converted into carbonic acid, creating a highly acidic ocean. This increase in acidity is threatening the ocean, especially shellfish. Studies have shown that the shells of tiny snails are dissolving because of the amount of acid in the water.

Although the future may look grim and the issues seem too manage, we can and must be a part of the solution. Our everyday actions greatly impact our planet and the ocean. From the food we eat to the amount we drive. It is important to share information about solutions with family, friends, co-workers, on social media, and as far and wide as you can. If you are already using reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils, take it to the next level - drive less, eat less meat, get involved in your local community and with politics.

When Mother Nature is sick, it is our duty to nurse her back to health. As Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action, once said, “What’s not to love about the ocean? It’s resilient. If you give the ocean a chance to heal, it can come back. That’s a powerful message for all of us.’’

In Memoriam: Ben Hamilton

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”

—Rachel Carson

The water always called to Ben Hamilton.  He was a true waterman—a river rat, sailor, surfer, paddle-boarder, and friend to the ocean.   For twenty years, business took him around the world and where ever he traveled he’d find the water and the waves.  About ten years ago, he returned to his native waters on the Navesink River and started a paddle boarding business to encourage others to find the joy and healing that being close to the water can bring.  With his home on the bluff in Fair Haven, NJ, Ben had a primo vista and was closest to the rhythms of the river.  His aloha nature made him happy to share his view, deck, or beach and he became renowned for his photographs, especially glorious sunsets.  And, Ben took his sea savvy seriously by supporting many groups.  He had remarkable gift of empowering people, and his enthusiasm and support of Clean Ocean Action was boundless.  He volunteered his encouragement, time, talents, and knowledge to help improve and protect the river and ocean.   

Ben found joy, strength, and courage from the sea, and he will always be remembered for his vision, inspiration, and fun-loving water-spirit.      

In 2016, Clean Ocean Action will establish an award in Ben’s honor during the Shore Paddle.   

Cindy Zipf

A Year of Wavemaking Ocean Memories

As a friend of the ocean, you cherish your time at the beach. Whether it’s feeling the sand between your toes while taking a stroll along the water’s edge, the hopeful rush casting a line into the water, or the joy of building sandcastles with kids, the shore is a unique and special place.

You also understand your important role in giving back to the ocean by helping to protect our coasts and marine life year-round. By supporting Clean Ocean Action (COA), you not only give back, but you also pay-it-forward by protecting the ocean’s health and enjoyment for future generations.

Thanks to your support, below are COA’s 2015 Top Five Ocean Memories and success stories highlighting our work:

5. The first 18-Mile swim by Patricia Sener, across the ocean between New York and New Jersey in support of the Clean Ocean Zone.

4. COA developed and recommended solutions to the long-overdue dredging of the Shark River channels.

3. The statewide Beach Sweeps celebrated 30 years of citizen action! In recognition, COA held the successful Debris Free Sea Conference and teamed-up with Bloomberg LP to analyze 25 years of citizen science data.

COA also launched the nation's largest statewide assessment of microplastics on beaches and in coastal waters.

2. Nationally, COA helped draft important federal legislation, including the BEACH Act, to improve protection for ocean swimmers.

1. Together, we defeated Port Ambrose, ending a seven year battle against LNG! Your voices were heard and on November 12th, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo vetoed the risky and unjust Liberty Natural Gas proposal.

Thanks to you, these are just a few highlights from a truly remarkable year of success! However, 2016 brings new threats, such as disturbing water quality issues, harmful marine debris and plastic pollution, climate change, and more.

With your support, we can continue to keep the ocean wild and free, marine life thriving, and the beaches safe for today and for future generations.Please consider a generous end-of-the-year donation celebrating our recentsuccesses and help launch us into the year ahead.

Beach Day Shouldn't Turn Into a Sick Day

So far this summer, there have been a reported 62 “beach incidents” involving beach closures and/or contamination advisories due to poor water quality of popular beach areas. In order to combat this issue, Clean Ocean Action joined Senator Menendez and Congressman Pallone in announcing the re-authorization and strengthening of the BEACH Act (Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act).  The law is now over 15 years old and needs to be updated, strengthened, and funded.  US Senator Bob Menendez and Representative Frank Pallone are introducing bi-partisan legislation that will strengthen national water quality standards, require rapid testing methods to be used, and provide states with grants to test water quality, and public notifications when conditions are not safe. Importantly, COA is urging that the law require testing after rainstorms due to the significant pollution in runoff. Whether swimming or recreating on the water, it should not be swim at your own risk. Everyone should be informed about the water quality for their own health and safety. A beach day should not have to turn into a sick day! You can find information on NJ water quality at https://njbeaches.org. Clean Ocean Action checks this site daily, sharing closures and advisories on social media. 

National Ocean Policy 5 Years Later

In July of 2010, the Obama Administration ordered the creation of a National Ocean Council to oversee the implementation of his National Ocean Policy (NOP) to connect the decision making processes of state and federal agencies in a collaborative and streamlined process, while creating an opportunity for citizen, private industry, and eNGO advisory input.

Clean Ocean Action has tried to ensure that NOP offered a true participatory process for the communities whose livelihoods depend upon a clean ocean and bear the brunt of the many uses of our ocean and coastal area. Since the inception of NOP, COA has remained outspoken in support of the citizens who live in these areas, and for the health and wellbeing of the ocean itself.

So what has been accomplished on the 5 year anniversary of the NOP? Our blog has a more in depth analysis, however, the short answer is this: even as cooperation and collaboration between agencies has improved, and the body of science and research for which to make decisions has grown, the participatory process we advocated for so stridently is deficient to say the least. The actions of the Obama Administration speak louder than any policy could. The waters of the mid-Atlantic have been opened to oil and gas exploration, the Arctic has been opened to oil drilling, and offshore LNG terminals threaten our coastlines. There is a continued push for development in the most fragile and vulnerable portions of our coastal areas, and the ocean ecosystem we take for granted is showing multiple signs of collapse. COA will continue to engage the policymakers and bureaucracy it encounters throughout the NOP process, and advocate loudly on behalf of the oceans’ health, first and foremost.

12 Steps to Kick your Plastic Habit!

 

Clean Ocean Action’s

12 Steps to Kick Your Plastic Habit

Our use of single-use plastic is an addiction and the harmful effects reach around the globe.  As a petro-chemical, every piece of plastic is related to oil drilling, pollution from refineries, and more chemical contamination.  However, the most visible impact is litter found in every habitat on the planet, especially waterways.  Today, the ocean is awash in plastics, killing or harming marine life by ingestion or entanglement.  While some plastics do have a role in society, we must reduce our overuse.  You can help.  Use this 12-Step Guide to help break your addiction to single-use plastic. Integrate these steps into your lifestyle and reduce your plastic waste.

1.        Recognize your plastic habit.  Understanding your use of disposables is the first step to reducing usage.  Look at your trash. Take special note of items with excess packaging, or any items that are single-use.  Make a list of how many disposable items are in your trash.  Make a personal goal to reduce or ban those items.

2.       Know the numbers.  Recycle more plastics by familiarizing yourself with the recycling number system.  The “chasing arrow” indicates that it can be recycled and the number inside the arrows indicates the type of plastic from which the material is made.  “1” (PETE) and “2” (HDPE) are the most widely recyclable. Check with your municipality to see if they accept other numbers.

3.      Be straw-free.  Americans use around 500 million straws a day! Just say “hold the straw.” There are also plenty of reusable straw options, such as glass, stainless steel, and bamboo.

4.       Ban the bead.  Avoid using any products that contain microbeads, such as the ingredients polyethylene and polypropylene.

5.     BYOB.  Bring your own Bag and Bottle! Putting a reusable bag in your car, briefcase, backpack or purse, and carrying a reusable bottle are easy ways to start plastic-free habits.    

                                

6.      Fork it over.  Don’t accept plastic ware for take-out. Bring your own silverware.  Better yet pack your own meal in a reusable lunch box/bag, and use reusable sandwich bags or containers. 

7.        DIY at home.  Clean your house using products you already own (lemons, vinegar, baking soda) instead of buying harsh chemicals in plastic containers.  Look on-line for “recipes”.

8.      Can it.  Choose cans over plastic. Most cans contain 50 percent or more recycled aluminum. A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf as a new can in as little as 60 days.  Better yet, use your reusable bottle!

9.      Be a smart shopper.  Look before you buy.  Avoid items with excess packaging and disposable towelettes. Use a sponge or rag instead. Be creative.  

10.   Support action.  Stay informed about plastic and microplastic policies, and take action to support these policies.  Contact COA for current actions.

11.     Rally more converts.  Help friends and family understand the importance of reducing plastic usage, and show them available alternatives.  Tell us about your progress!

12.    Join the campaign.  Supporting COA’s Crowdrise campaign for microplastic research will ensure the availability of ongoing information and resolutions for a clean, healthy ocean.

Share with us your progress on social media:

Please like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanOcean

Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CleanOcean

Show us some love on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cleanoceanaction/

                   

www.CleanOceanAction.org

Public Sumbits Comments on BOEM’s Offshore Oil & Gas Drilling Plan

Over 400,000 comments were submitted to the federal docket regarding, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) 5 year oil and gas drilling plan. Clean Ocean Action hosted a citizens hearing in Atlantic City on March 18^th giving attendees the opportunity to verbally express their opposition to the oil drilling plan and lack of public involvement, while standing beside a table of four “BOEM panelists” represented by brick walls. All testimony from the citizens hearing was transcribed and submitted to the federal docket.

Representatives from Senators Menendez and Booker, Congressmen Pallone, and LoBiondo’s offices read compelling statements opposing BOEM’s plan to open the Atlantic Ocean for drilling. Mayor Suzanne Walter of Stone Harbor expressed the economic impacts and said that mayors of Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties are all opposed to this plan.

The fight to protect the Atlantic Ocean from oil drilling has been ongoing for decades. Adding insults to the sea, BOEM’s authorization for ocean blasting activities for oil and gas exploration may start as early as this summer. Thus, talking to BOEM is like talking to a brick wall. There has been clear public opposition, especially from New Jersey, which is why our coast was not included in the proposal, but BOEM continues to push to drill in the Atlantic. Opening up Florida to Virginia to oil development and exploration could have devastating effects on our beaches, marine life, tourism, fisheries, and coastal economies. Expanding offshore drilling will move the United States away from conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy. Instead, the United States will be moving towards a potentially catastrophic spill and the acceleration of climate change.

The comments will be reviews and a final Environmental Impact statement will be released along with meeting dates. We will keep you updated regarding the process and next steps. Wave of thanks for speaking for the sea! 

COA Raises Questions on Environmental and Development Impacts of Proposed Ocean Outfall for Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant at Public Hearings

The State of New York announced on April 23 that three public hearings would be held on Long Island in May to gather information and input from scientists, engineers, local government representatives, environmental groups, and the public on how to improve coastal resiliency and wastewater infrastructure on Long Island.  

One of the most controversial issues presently up for discussion is the proposed construction of an ocean outfall pipe at the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant, located in Nassau County.  In addition to relocating the outfall from the Western Bays to the ocean, the current proposal includes conversion of two smaller treatment plants in the area to pumping stations, which would send their wastewater to Bay Park for ultimate ocean discharge.  

COA delivered the following oral comments during the third of the three meetings, held on May 28 at the Suffolk County Community College:

Good afternoon.  Thank you to the panel for inviting the public here today to offer their comments.  My name is Cassandra Ornell and I work as staff scientist for Clean Ocean Action, a non-profit organization.  Clean Ocean Action’s mission is to improve the marine water quality off the New York and New Jersey coasts.  We’ve been working to clean up these shared waters for over 30 years now.

I’d like to share some thoughts on the proposed ocean outfall for the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant today.  From what I’ve heard and read, it seems like we are in agreement that the Western Bays are suffering – we’ve seen this problem time and again here on Long Island as well as in New Jersey, as John Weber from Surfrider discussed.  These problems are caused by an excess of nutrient loads entering the waters, which is oftentimes linked to excessive development.

This is a problem that certainly deserves our attention, and we support the upgrading of the Bay Park Plant to tertiary treatment and denitrification of the effluent.

However, the call for an ocean outfall pipe concerns us, for several reasons.

1) The Bay Park plant currently discharges 58 million gallons per day, with a capacity of 70 million gallons per day.  What ecological impacts will relocating this source of freshwater input to the Bays have on Bay salinity and ecosystem functioning?

2) On the ocean side – have studies of localized ecological and physical impacts to the marine environment in the area of the proposed ocean outfall pipe been done?  Where will the currents take this effluent?  How will localized salinity changes impact the marine ecosystem?  What species or habitat types are present in this area?

3) Freshwater is already very scarce on Long Island – we are depleting our aquifer and saltwater intrusion is a major concern.  Given this backdrop of freshwater scarcity and aquifer depletion, I have two questions:

                a) What will be done to ensure the expansion of the plant will not increase sprawl and further aquifer depletion?

                b) How can we reasonably throw away over 50 million gallons of highly treated freshwater daily?  Once freshwater is discharged to the ocean, there is no getting it back.

This proposed destruction of invaluable freshwater resources is a huge waste.  Not to mention the estimated $690 million dollars it would cost – just to build a long pipe out to the ocean.

As such, Clean Ocean Action would like to voice our support for recycling of the treated effluent from the Bay Park plant.  I urge the County, State, and Federal agencies to fully explore all options for water recycling, including aquifer recharge, potable and non-potable reuse, and surface water and freshwater wetland recharge.  These alternatives should be evaluated now, before moving forward with a decision on the ocean outfall pipe.  

Instead of pushing our problems out to sea, let’s spend those nearly 700 million dollars on a green, sustainable solution that employs efficient use and reuse of our freshwater resources.  Long Island is at a critical juncture now, and has the chance to choose a more sustainable path and serve as a model for other communities. 

  

As the discussion continues, it is essential that we all recognize this as a dilemma.  While an ocean outfall may be preferred by some, ocean dumping is nothing to celebrate.  The rally cry for an ocean outfall should be tempered with the reminder that many of us have long worked to keep harmful pollution out of the New York bight.  Though cleaner than in the past, this little pocket of the ocean is suffering too - it's downstream of the most densely populated region in the US, at the receiving end of billions of gallons of wastewater, and is weakened by the adverse effects of climate change. 

The Governor’s office will host a fourth meeting in June (date and location TBD) to announce their recommendations for improvement of wastewater and septic system issues on the island.  For more information on meetings held to date, how to submit your own comments, and the schedule for the final meeting in the series, click here.

#GivingTuesday: Have You Seen the Giving Ocean?

Video produced by Grace Hanlon, then Executive Producer, Edvantage Media

The ocean gives so much to us – free of charge, but keeping it clean, healthy, and natural is a full time job that drives Clean Ocean Action. Wouldn’t you like to give back?

Tuesday, December 3 is this year’s national day of giving.  Reacting to the consumerism that is sometimes part of the holiday season, thousands of nonprofits, companies, and people like you have come together for the second annual #GivingTuesday to make a positive contribution to society – instead of simply shopping.  

Here are some new ways to give: Recall your days of fun at the beach this year and give to the ocean: 

Unleash Your Inner Good Guy: COA Featured in The Jersey Give Back Guide

COA is thrilled to be included in the inaugural edition of The Jersey Give Back Guide, an annual, seasonal project of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. A longtime supporter of Clean Ocean Action’s work, the Foundation believes everyone has the power to be a philanthropist in their own community.

The Dodge Foundation chose just fifteen organizations from the entire state that excel in collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.

Clean Ocean Action is honored to work with the Dodge Foundation on The Jersey Give Back Guide. Check out their Generosity Generator – which takes the guesswork out of donating to charity – at www.jerseygivebackguide.org.


Help COA Meet the Challenge
Each organization featured in The Jersey Give Back Guide is eligible for a $1,000 matching grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Help COA raise additional funds by being one of 50 supporters to give through the Guide by December 31st. Share with friends and family!

Amazon Smile

For your future holiday shopping, consider buying used books or vintage items on Amazon. When you shop using Amazon Smile, Amazon.com will make a donation to Clean Ocean Action.  Tell your friends how easy it was to shop and support the Shore on Facebook and Twitter - it even works with Amazon Prime!  Click here for more information.

Celebrate the Shore

In 2013, COA’s work focused on assisting the people, businesses, habitats, and waterways impacted by Superstorm Sandy through monthly clean-up days. Waves of Action ‘For The Shore’ program saw over 13,725 volunteers that participated in 281 projects in 70 different towns with over 120 organizations from across New York and New Jersey.  Learn more at www.ForTheShore.org.

Clean Ocean Action has been advocating for the ocean since 1984; nearly 30 years of hard work to keep the ocean wild and free of harmful industry. To learn more about COA’s ocean protection work or to make a contribution this #GivingTuesday over the phone, please call the office at (732) 872-0111.

Help Surfrider Foundation Collect Important Data on Beach Goers, Divers, Kayakers, and More!

Photo Credit: Shark River Cleanup Coalition

Your help is needed to ensure that your favorite coastal recreational areas are considered in coastal and ocean planning activities coming to the Mid-Atlantic. The Surfrider Foundation launched an online survey in July 2013 that is capturing spatial and economic data on coastal and ocean recreational use in the states of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

Surfrider is working in partnership with Ecotrust, Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute, and The Nature Conservancy, and in close coordination with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) and the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), to survey recreational uses such as beach goers, swimmers, beach wildlife viewers, surfers, kayakers, windsurfers, and divers.

“Knowing what’s important to the recreation sector will help us make better ocean planning decisions and ensure that we maximize both sustainable economic activity and ocean health,” said Laura McKay, Director of the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program and MARCO Management Board member.

Regional ocean planning, a process which has just begun in the Mid-Atlantic, will be a chance for all user groups to contribute to a vision of how our coastal and ocean resources should be managed. The data from this survey will be included in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal, an online spatial data depository created by MARCO and used for regional ocean planning.

MARCO is an arrangement by the Governors of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia to improve the health of Mid-Atlantic ocean and coastal resources, and ensure that they continue to contribute to the economic vitality of coastal communities.

The survey will be online until the end of December 2013. To participate visit http://www.surfrider.org/mid-atlantic-recreation and enter your email address. The survey is not covering recreational fishing or boating as other studies are covering those uses. For more information please visit our regional website.

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education.

Superstorm Sandy Volunteer Opportunities - Saturday, May 18, 2013

CLEAN OCEAN ACTION URGES CITIZENS TO GET
‘BACK TO THE BEACH’

Volunteers to Help and Enjoy Beaches By Day,
Celebrate Their Success By Night – Saturday, May 18

WHO: Volunteers, businesses, groups, and elected officials who support clean ocean economies and ecosystems after Superstorm Sandy.

WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 2013                

              Times vary, visit www.ForTheShore.org for site specific details

              Back to the Beach Ball Event 7-10 PM

WHAT: The May 18 Waves of Action are events that protect and promote the natural beauty of the coast as well as enticements to get people Back to the Beach, showcasing the New York and New Jersey shores.

In the evening, Clean Ocean Action is hosting the Back to the Beach Ball, a party to highlight and appreciate the thousands of Waves of Action volunteers and supporters.

WHERE:  Over 15 projects across New York and New Jersey from Staten Island, NY to Brigantine, NJ.  

Back to the Beach Ball to follow at Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel  1401 Oceanfront Avenue Asbury Park, NJ. Click here for a complete list of sites, meeting locations and party details.

                

WHY: COA continues to support the coalition of organizations, businesses, citizens and municipalities from Cape May to Montauk to help areas in need after Superstorm Sandy.  Waves of Action For The Shore will continue through 2013 with debris clean ups, sustainable development plans, projects to improve water quality, and events to get the public back to the beach. 

PHOTO OPS: Citizens of all ages picking up debris from our shore. Groups include scouts, school, church, employees, and organizations.  COA volunteers and supporters enjoying the party and dancing to the reggae music of Predator Dub Assassins.

See www.ForTheShore.org for sponsorship information and to purchase Back to the Beach Ball tickets.