Volunteers Find the Wild, the Wacky and the Weird During Beach Sweeps

Clean Ocean Action 2012 Annual
Beach Sweeps Report Released

A Citizen Call to Action for April 27, 2013

Photo Credit: Joe Sapia

Clean Ocean Action (COA) released the 2012 Beach Sweeps Report today, highlighting the Dirty Dozen, Roster of the Ridiculous, and the totals for over 90 items of marine debris collected by volunteers last year.  To view the Beach Sweeps Report online, click here.  

In 2012, 6,926 volunteers collected, tallied, and removed over 350,000 pieces of debris from NJ’s shoreline during Clean Ocean Action’s 27^th Annual Beach Sweeps.  The majority of the debris removed was disposable plastics—items designed to be used once and thrown away.  Plastic, including foam, represents 82.7% of the total waste found.  It is clear: disposable plastic items continue to litter beaches, threaten marine life, and impact water quality. 

The Beach Sweeps has become New Jersey’s largest environmental event with thousands of citizens combing nearly all 127 miles ocean coastline and bay beaches.  The spring event coincides with Earth Month to provide citizens with an educational, hands-on, meaningful, rewarding activity to make a real difference.

During these 28 years, over 100,000 citizens have collected over 5 million items, tabulated data, and created a legacy of information that is used to fight for better anti-litter programs and educate people about the harms caused by marine debris to the economy and wildlife.

The majority of the debris removed was disposable plastics including:

• 49,362 cigarette filters
• 22,308 straws and stirrers
• 38,349 caps and lids

Odd items collected, contributing to the "Roster of the Ridiculous" are:

• Earmuffs
• Hairclip with fake hair
• False eyelashes
• Shopping cart
• Fortune cookie
• Stuffed horse
• Magic wand
• Vampire teeth
• Ant trap
• Boomerang
• Brake shoes
• Baby shark toy
• Message in a bottle
• Wicker sofa
• Christmas lights
• Stove burner

Call to Action 2013

Want to be a part of Beach Sweeps? Clean Ocean Action (COA) invites citizens and organizations to participate in the 28th Annual Spring Beach Sweeps on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at over 60 sites along the Jersey Shore. 

To view the Beach Sweeps Report online visit, www.cleanoceanaction.org. For a complete list of site locations and details, please visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.

All volunteers must register through www.cleanoceanaction.org.  Volunteers should bring gloves, dress for the weather, apply sunscreen, and wear closed-toed, hard-soled shoes.

Consider Taking your Beach Sweeping to the Next Level

Collect donations for your volunteer efforts and raise funds for COA's ocean protection work.  Raise $100 and receive Clean Ocean Action's popular ChicoBag made from recycled plastic bottles.  Teams can join the effort at http://www.crowdrise.com/BeachSweeps. 

Fracking, the Foodopoly, and Our Future

Please join us for Fracking, the Foodopoly, and Our Future 

Thursday, April 4th at 7pm 

Reception with light hors d'oeuvres begins at 6pm

Two River Theater -- 21 Bridge Ave-- Red Bank, NJ 07701 

Join Food & Water Watch for a panel discussion featuring experts on energy policy and our food system to understand how the rush for natural gas development and the deterioration of our food system are intricately linked together. 

Panelists

Wenonah Hauter-- Executive Director, Food & Water Watch and Foodopoly author

Dean Nelson-- Dean's Natural Food Market

J. Stephen Cleghorn, PhD-- Paradise Gardens and Farm, LLC

Sean Dixon-- Coastal Policy Attorney of Clean Ocean Action

Free and open to the public! 

Register at http://bit.ly/foodopolyredbank. 

For more information, contact Emily Reuman at 978.844.2164 or ereuman@fwwatch.org. 

~

Thanks to our Host Committee: 

Rosemary Parish, Robert Scardapane, WATERSPIRIT, and Tina Weishaus. 

~

To purchase your copy of Foodopoly in advance through River Road Books and pick it up at the Theater, visit www.riverroadbooks.net/special_order.html. 

You'll also have a chance to buy a signed copy of Foodopoly at the event (while supplies last). 

Calling All Volunteers: Clean Ups on March 23

Calling All Volunteers!

Help Make a Difference in
Coastal Communities After Sandy

Join Clean Ocean Action and over 20 other organizations, businesses and municipalities on Saturday, March 23rd for the Fourth
Wave of Action "For the Shore."

There are still projects in need of volunteers for March 23!

Projects in New Jersey:

Monmouth County

Sandy Hook
Little Silver

West Long Branch

Deal

Asbury Park

Loch Arbour 

Long Branch

Ocean County

Toms River

Brick

LBI

Atlantic County

Brigantine

Cape May County

Cape May

Projects in New York:

Staten Island

What Debris is in Your Local Waterway?

Here is a very helpful update from DEP and DOT on Waterway Debris Removal:

Debris in marsh areas in Brick, NJ

• The State of New Jersey has awarded three contracts to companies who will remove Sandy-related, FEMA-eligible debris from waters of the State  in the 11 Debris Management Zones.  The duration of the contract is one year.  The goal of this cleanup effort is to be 75% complete by June 1st  but cleanup will likely continue throughout the boating season and into the Fall.

• The areas where debris has been identified was  determined by reconnaissance conducted by State personnel as well as reports from FEMA, municipalities, counties and residents.  Additional reconnaissance will be conducted by the contractors to further identify debris and sand deposits. 

• The areas where the contractors will be operating are within the waters of the State of New Jersey.  This includes (without limitation): bays, tidal rivers,  and those tidal waterways affected by the storm surge.  As part of the cleanup effort, debris monitors will be assigned to  each debris removal contractor.  In addition, a project manager will be identified for the entire project.  The project manager will be responsible for scheduling, invoicing, data management, oversight of the contractors, etc. 

• The materials that will be removed through this effort must be FEMA eligible.  The best source of information on FEMA eligibility is this FEMA guidance document.

• In addition to the contractors that have been hired, the State Department of Transportation is surveying State navigation channels.  This activity has already begun.  NJDOT will be using side scan sonar to identify debris areas including new shoals.

How You Can Help

Your help in this effort is needed.  If you know of areas where waterway debris is located, please send a photograph of the site along with latitude and longitude or your best location information (e.g., closest intersection) so we can direct our contractors to the site.  Please send these photos to communications@cleanoceanaction.org.  Also if you are aware of any debris washing into the OCEAN during the storm, including cars, boats, structural debris, trees, household contents, as well as items washing up onto beaches, please let us know. 

For additional information on Waterway Debris removal click here.

Calling All Volunteers for January 19!

Calling All Volunteers! Help COA Make a Difference in Our Coastal Communities After Sandy Join Clean Ocean Action Saturday, January 19th for the Second Wave of Action "For the Shore." There are still projects in need of volunteers for this Saturday! Projects in New Jersey: Highlands Sea Bright Neptune Long Branch Manahawkin Ocean Gate Cape May Bayonne Projects in New York: Jones Beach Staten Island

To Help the Jersey Shore’s Comeback, Clean Ocean Action Launches 2013 Year of “Waves of Action” For The Shore

To Help the Jersey Shore’s Comeback, Clean Ocean Action Launches 2013 Year of “Waves of Action” For The Shore 

Year-Long Volunteer Recovery Action Plan Released Today 

Clean Ocean Action (COA) held a teleconference today to announce the 2013 “Waves of Action” program, which will respond to the impacts of Superstorm Sandy and help improve and protect the marine environment.  COA is engaging its network of organizations, businesses, citizens, and municipalities to help coastal communities throughout New Jersey and New York in need over the long term with volunteer action.   

Learn More at www.ForTheShore.org!

“Recovery will be a very long and challenging road,” said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action.  “It is essential to rebuild better with environmental stewardship and resiliency and provide resources and support to keep the momentum going,” Zipf added. 

Future Waves of Action days in 2013 will progress with the needs of communities and will keep the momentum going for continued improvement of the shore through debris clean ups, sustainable development plans, and projects to improve water quality.  

“Even though it has been over two months since the Hurricane, there are still very real needs in many communities, and we will work to meet those needs for as long as it takes,” said Zach McCue, Clean Ocean Action Citizen Action Coordinator. 


“Rebuilding Sea Bright will take a sustained effort for a couple of years. Partnering with Clean Ocean Action for regular volunteer days provides additional resources that will be very important to the long term recovery of the town,” added Frank Lawrence, Sea Bright Volunteer Coordinator, who participated in the teleconference on Thursday. 

Waves of Action For The Shore: Month-to-Month
January 19 – Clean-Up, Clean-Out 
February 23– Helping Hands at Home 
March 23 – Bringing Back our Ecosystems 
April 27 – 28th Annual Beach Sweeps
May 18 - Back to the Beach  
June 22, July 20, August 17 - Healthy Habitats, Water Conservation and Energy Efficiency 
September 21 – Education for the Future and Long-Term Recovery 
October 19 – Fall Beach Sweeps
November 13-15 – Education for the Future 
December 7 – Waves of Action Conference and Awards 

The Wave of Action on Saturday, January 19, is in unison with Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, which has become a national weekend centered on service.   

“Many of our projects from December are registered again in January, since Waves of Action is the only clean-up effort that some parks and beaches have been able to have since Sandy.  That said, there are also many new locations where people can help,” said Tavia Danch, Clean Ocean Action Education Coordinator.   

A number of organizations and municipalities have been involved in not only the planning of, but are also participating in, Clean Ocean Action’s Wave of Action on January 19.  These groups include: President’s Inaugural Committee, National Park Service, Bayshore Waterfront Park Affiliation, Monmouth County Park System, HOPE worldwide, Borough of Sea Bright, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Wall High School Environmental Club, AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors, Red Bank Friends of Maple Cove, United Methodist Committee of Relief, Alliance for a Living Ocean, Beach Haven West Community Association, Surfrider Foundation, South Jersey Chapter, Borough of Ocean Gate and Natural Resource Protective Association. 

Over 1,200 people have already signed up to help to clean out homes, neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and waterways at 27 locations throughout New York and New Jersey, including Atlantic City, Long Beach Island, Sea Bright, Asbury Park, Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and Staten Island and Jones Beach, New York.
   
“Before Hurricane Sandy, many of the people interested in cleaning up New Jersey's beaches were environmentalists,” noted Lindsey Van Zile, Toms River South High School Senior and Waves of Action Project Leader.  “Now, with the help of Waves of Action program, we can all come together and create solutions to major environmental problems and even help those in need,” she added.  


For more information about the Waves of Action program, visit www.fortheshore.org or contact Clean Ocean Action at (732) 872-0111.

Fulfill Your Green Resolution: Join Clean Ocean Action Today!

Happy 2013!

We are thrilled to welcome the New Year!

There are many ways to become involved and this year – we hope you become a member of Clean Ocean Action – join as a Concerned Citizen or Concerned Business and ensure a bluer and greener 2013.  We are offering a special incentive in 2013 – join and receive a reusable tote bag by ChicoBag (made from recycled plastic bottles) as our gift to you.  As a Concerned Citizen or Business, you will also receive invitations to member-only events, the monthly newsletter and timely updates on ocean pollution issues throughout the year. 

Make a donation and join Clean Ocean Action today!

Christopher Cross Concert to benefit COA - Jan 17th at Two River Theatre

 

Enjoy an evening with Christopher Cross to support our Waves of Action iniative.  Clean Ocean Action plans and coordinates projects each month to support communities to recover from Sandy. Together we can make 2013 greener and bluer.  More on Waves of Action at http://fortheshore.org/

 

Tickets are available here 732-345-1400 or www.trtc.org

 

For Sponsorship and VIP tickets - Rusty@Musicworks-ent.com

 

Many thanks to Music Works for their generous support of Clean Ocean Action's ocean protection work!  Visit Music Works here: http://musicworks-ent.com/

 

 

 

CALL FOR PROJECTS – FORTHESHORE.ORG

CLEAN OCEAN ACTION’S WAVES OF ACTION DAY

NY/NJ First Wave of Action Day Set for Saturday, December 8, 2012

In the aftermath of the storm, there is a tremendous response from volunteers region-wide who have dedicated their time and efforts to help those affected and in need.  In the spirit of the organic volunteer effort that has grown in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Clean Ocean Action, in partnership with organizations from across New York and New Jersey, are calling on members of the community to coordinate relief effort projects for the first “Waves of Action” day on Saturday, December 8. 

The first Waves of Action Day on Saturday, December 8, is looking for community leaders to become project leaders by registering their task online and facilitating the volunteers that respond.  Types of projects can include: beach, town, and park clean-ups; food, household items, and furniture drives; fundraisers for wildlife and communities in need; and/or home clean out and repair.  The projects will vary based on real, on the ground needs. 

“In the aftermath of Sandy it is evident that all communities were impacted differently,” commented Tavia Danch, Clean Ocean Action’s Education Coordinator.  “‘For the Shore’ is a way to connect projects with people” added Danch.

A call for volunteers is going out as well, to match those in need with people looking to help.  To register for a project, visit www.fortheshore.org or contact Clean Ocean Action at
732 872-0111.

Clean Ocean Action education and advocacy volunteer, Kathleen Gasienica said, “Like many others I have an overwhelming feeling of wanting to help the people in the coastal areas who were devastated by the storm.  Thanks COA for your Day of Action and for giving me the opportunity to help where it is most needed and encouraging the restoration efforts after the television crews have all gone home.”

The Waves of Action day will begin a restoration program “For the Shore” to help initial relief efforts for our community beaches, neighborhoods, and businesses in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.  Future Waves of Action days will evolve with the needs of communities and keep the momentum going for continued improvement of the shore through debris clean ups and projects to improve water quality.

“It has been inspiring to see the response to the devastation, but the journey to restore the shore will be long. We established this program to provide a longer-term strategy to help heal our coastal communities,” said Clean Ocean Action Executive Director Cindy Zipf.

Already making waves, planned projects include clearing trails and debris at the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, cleaning up Munns Pond County Park, (both in Hampton Bays, NY), a dune restoration project in Midway Beach, South Seaside Park, NJ, and many others.

“The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy.  All of our resources are being used to care for the influx of exhausted seabirds blown in from the storm, so little time is available to clear our nature trails,” stated Ginnie Frati, Executive Director of The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center.  “We are so appreciative of Clean Ocean Action for helping us plan this day, and for all the good work they do for the environment.”

Projects being confirmed and posted on ForTheShore.org include December 8 events by Surfrider chapters, Sierra Club chapters, NY/NJ Baykeeper, and NJ Watershed Ambassadors.

Krissy Halkes, Chair of the South Jersey Chapter of Surfrider Foundation noted that her chapter “has been organizing cleanups every weekend since Hurricane Sandy devastated our beautiful beach towns and we look forward to participating in Clean Ocean Action's Wave of Action on the 8^th.”

To register a project visit www.fortheshore.org or contact Clean Ocean Action at
732-872-0111. 

In the interim, for current relief efforts and needs, visit COA’s blog: www.cleanoceanaction.blogspot.com – UPDATED DAILY -- for volunteer opportunities throughout NJ and NY.

Waves of Action For the Shore: Saturday December 8

Although Hurricane Sandy has passed, families, communities, and coastal municipalities are still reeling from the devastation. In the aftermath of the storm, there is a tremendous response from volunteers region-wide who have dedicated their time and efforts to help those affected and in need.

In that spirit, Clean Ocean Action is announcing a plan to coordinate a rebuilding, recovering, and restoration program which will begin with a Wave of Action Day on Saturday, December 8th.

This first Wave of Action will help initial relief efforts for our New York and New Jersey community beaches, neighborhoods, and businesses after Hurricane Sandy.

We Invite You...

We invite you to head to www.ForTheShore.org and REGISTER a project for December 8th!  Tell us where  you need help, how many volunteers, and what they should bring, and we'll post your project on www.ForTheShore.org where volunteers can browse for projects in their areas or in their skill set.

December 8th Wave of Action...

This community wave of action is designed to help communities, businesses, organizations, and homeowners to work together - in the way most meaningful for them.  We are encouraging Project Leaders to SIGN UP NOW - project ideas could include anything from:

• beach, town, and park clean-ups,
• community kitchen events,
• food, household items, and furniture drives,
• neighborhood clean out and repair, or
• anything else your area needs!

To register a project, click here or contact Clean Ocean Action at 732-872-0111.

Lights, Camera, Clean Ocean Action!

Beach Sweeps Video Online Release! 

 (Sandy Hook, NJ) – Clean Ocean Action (COA) is proud to announce the online release of a video showcasing the Beach Sweeps program.  In 1985, COA launched the region’s first Beach Sweeps program to rid beaches of unsightly and harmful debris.  Today, the Beach Sweeps is one of the longest running cleanups of its kind in the world.  The program has grown from 75 people at one site in 1985 to 7,575 volunteers at nearly 70 sites in 2011. Since 1985, over 90,000 volunteers have participated and removed over 4.5 million pieces of debris from New Jersey's beaches and waterways.

Sandy Levine, producer of the video, is an award-winning television producer who was born and raised at the Jersey Shore. 

“I've known about and respected Clean Ocean Action since the group began in the mid-1980s. I heard that the Beach Sweeps were coming up and I felt compelled to be there to shoot this video. The idea that thousands of people willingly volunteer to pick up garbage was inspiring and I wanted to capture that passion and commitment,” explained Levine.  “When I arrived at Sandy Hook, it was depressing; the sand was littered with all kinds of garbage. A few hours later - the beach was pristine. The Beach Sweeps not only get rid of ugly garbage - they remind us that our ocean and shore need protection. I'm honored to be part of the effort to get out the word that we all can - and must - do something to help," she continued.

Clean Ocean Action was delighted Sandy Levine was able to produce the video.  It provides an important opportunity for everyone with access to the internet to learn about Sweeps and become inspired to participate.

“Over the past 27 years, volunteers have worked hard to collect, catalogue, and remove nearly 5 million pieces of trash from New Jersey’s beaches and waterways,” stated Tavia Danch, COA’s Education Coordinator.  “This video will highlight the great work of our volunteers and inspire others to follow in their footsteps,” added Danch.

Please visit Clean Ocean Action’s website www.cleanoceanaction.org, where the video is posted on our homepage.  It is also uploaded on Clean Ocean Action’s YouTube channel at: http://youtu.be/Z3v7ypuCZjQ.

Clean Ocean Action’s 27^th Annual Fall Beach Sweep will be held this Saturday, October 20 from 9-12:30 PM at over 60 cleanup sites along the NJ shore and waterways from Middlesex to Cape May County.  For more information, or to register groups of ten or more, please visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.

Join COA for an Evening of Food, Drinks and Music!

This year marks the 14^th annual Sunset Party, hosted by Clean Ocean Action (COA)  The “Seaside Sunset” benefit, a fun event of fabulous food, drinks and music will be on Friday, October 5th from 6-10 PM at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch. It serves as an opportunity for COA to raise funds for its ocean protection work, and consistent with that work, goes further to make the event as environmentally sustainable as possible.

Seaside Sunset will be held at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch.  McLoone's Pier House has taken steps to become a "greener" restaurant.  They do not use Styrofoam and recycle all glass, cans, and cardboard.  All of the faucets in McLoone’s Pier House have low-flow nozzles and the bathroom and office lighting is motion-censored.  Finally, the menus are printed on 100% recycled paper and linen napkins are used daily to reduce paper waste.

Live Cocktail Music by: Chris Morrisy

Dancing Music by: The Thom White Band

Raw Bar by: Lusty Lobster Seafood Market and Catering
Catering by: McLoone's Pier House - Chef Joe Racioppi
Artisan Cheeses by: Sickles Market

Sunset Bar of Beer and Wine by:

Holly Crest Wine Cellars and Shore Point Distributing Co.
Coffee by: Booskerdoo Coffee Roasters

Seaside Flowers and Plants by: Guaranteed Plants & Florist

Desserts by: My Kitchen Witch, Wholesome Catering and Daisy Chocolates

Take A Spin On Our Wheel for
Dining Experiences From… 

AMA

Bahrs Landing Restaurant

Basil T's

Bay Avenue Bakery and Cafe

Bay Avenue Trattoria

Brennan’s

Chilangos Mexican Restaurant 

The Chubby Pickle

Dive!  

First Avenue Pizza  

Gaetano's  

Good Karma Café

Harpoon Willy's 

Inlet Cafe/Original Oyster

Kunya Siam Thai Restaurant

Moonstruck

Nicolas

Readie's

Ristorante Giorga

Sallee Tee's  

Shaka

Turning Point

Undici

Yumi Restaurant

  A Silent Auction you won’t want to miss…

Algonquin Arts Theatre 

The Atlantic Club

Brahma Yoga & Spa

Broeck Steadman  Private Art Lessons

Brewer's Apprentice

Carton Brewing

Coba Yoga 

Eastpointe Health & Fitness

Fair Haven Karate

Garden State Film Festival

Gold's Gym

Golf Analytics

Lakewood Blue Claws

Laura Leighton Jewelry 

Lightly Salted

Little Silver Health Food Store

Monmouth Music Center

Soapmarket

So Damn Tasty Catering

Sherman Jewelers

Plush Salon

Tommy's Coal Fired Pizza

Trader Joe's 

Two River Theatre

Weston Gallery

Yoga by Jannetje McManus 

Adorn your Home with Art from…

Daniel P. Studios

Marlis Schlegel  

Robert Roman Studios  

Jack Fusco

Jack Macey

Steve Scanlon 

Kramer Photography

Mark Weiss Photography

Megan Heath Gilhool

Ryan Struck Photography

Shutters

AND…YOU could go home with this beautiful
Beach Cruiser!!! 

Phat Cycles Sachi 26" 3 Speed Gloss Black Cruiser

Bicycle Features: Phat Pedal Forward Technology, Cruiser Lady's Frame & Fork, Shimano Nexus 3 Speed Hub w/Coaster Brake, Shimano Index Twist Grip Shifter, Phat Custom Design Dual Soring Cruiser Saddle; Grips, Phat Custom Design Fenders, Phat Cruiser Handlebar w/Alloy Stem, Comfort Cruiser Pedals

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.