Senator Booker Urges NOAA Administrator to Withdraw Seismic IHA

US Senator Booker wrote to Dr. Sullivan, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, formally requesting that the National Marine Fisheries Service withdraw the Incidental Harassment Authorization needed for the Rutgers seismic study to legally harass marine mammals and reopen the comment period so that concerned organizations and the public are given a meaningful opportunity to review this survey. Senator Booker cited the exponential increase in the number of marine mammals estimated to be harassed and the methodology used to calculate the new numbers as justification for withdrawal of the authorization and a reopening of the comment period. In addition, Senator Booker reiterated his support for the NJDEP’s concerns with the proposed project’s impact on New Jersey’s coastal resources and desire for the ongoing mediation process between the NJDEP and the National Science Foundation (as lead agency for this survey) to conclude before any permits are issued by NOAA.

Clean Ocean Action applauds Senator Booker’s close analysis of the proposed project and its impact on New Jersey’s marine life and economy and is looking forward to Dr. Sullivan’s response.  

State Senate President Sweeney & Congressman Pallone Urge President Barchi to Cancel Seismic Study

On May 22, 2015, NJ Senate President Sweeney, in conjunction with US Congressman Pallone, authored a letter directed to Rutgers University President Barchi, urging him, as President of the University leading the seismic survey, to halt the proposed actions immediately. Citing the disruptive impact and damaging effects of seismic testing on the marine environment, especially the impact to the recreational and commercial fishing industries which operate at peak capacity during the summer months, Congressman Pallone and Senator Sweeney, emphasized that Rutgers University should “aspire to be a good state citizen by minimizing negative impacts to our residents, businesses, and the environment.” The letter stressed how critical a healthy ocean ecosystem is to the economy of NJ, as almost 10,000 jobs are produced from the recreational and commercial fishing industries alone, not including the ancillary jobs necessary to support vibrant summer tourism based economy for many communities.

Clean Ocean Action thanks Senate President Sweeney and Congressman Pallone for their effective advocacy in support of a productive and intact marine environment.

Find a copy of the letter here.