The New Jersey General Assembly passed a legislative resolution sponsored by Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove which urges the cancellation of seismic blasting plans in the Atlantic Ocean near Barnegat Bay. The resolution (AR-220) further urges the National Marine Fisheries Service to cancel any future plans relating to the performance of seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean near Barnegat Bay.
Assemblyman Rumpf, Assemblyman Gove and Senator Christopher J. Connors, representatives of the 9th Legislative District in the New Jersey Legislature, have vehemently opposed the seismic blasting program on account of environmental concerns raised by prominent environmental and fishing organizations.
The 9th District delegation issued the following statement upon the Assembly’s passage of their resolution:
“Protecting the health of the Barnegat Bay has become the leading environmental issue for Ocean County over the past several years. Seismic blasting is detrimental to the Barnegat Bay restoration effort to which significant State resources have been dedicated to with strong public backing.
“Prominent environmental and fishing organizations, such as Clean Ocean Action and the Recreational Fishing Alliance, not only made compelling cases against seismic blasting, but also led a public information campaign raising awareness of the likely harmful impact on marine life and habitats. These efforts resonated among local residents and officials who joined together in common cause on this issue.
“From the outset, our principle position in calling for an end to seismic blasting off our waters has been reflective of the concerns raised by a large segment of our constituency. Compounding the deeply troubling environmental concerns are potential negative economic ramifications for the fishing industry in an area that is still recovering from the catastrophic damage caused by Superstorm Sandy. The Assembly’s passage of our Resolution is a testament to those concerns and that the health of Barnegat Bay is in New Jersey’s best interest.”
Also supporting the 9th District delegation’s resolution is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.
On March 16 of this year, the Senate version of the resolution, SR-72, passed the Senate and was filed with the Secretary of State.
Website Post:
https://www.senatenj.com/index.php/district9/connors-rumpf-gove-call-for-end-to-seismic-blasting-near-barnegat-bay/24515
