Littoral Society Urges Support for Three Bills Facing Votes in New Jersey State Legislature3/22/2019  Three bills supported by the American Littoral Society may see votes in the NJ state legislature on Monday, March 25. They are:
The Littoral Society asks members and supporters to contact their legislators and urge them to vote yes on these bills.
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Your participation will support efforts to protect and preserve the ocean and coast   It's not exactly the tortoise and the hare, but this year's Lobster Run has a new entry: Oysters! But don't worry that they only have one foot, rather than running these bivalves will be waiting at the finish line for those participating in the post-race after-party.
So, lace up your running shoes, dig out your lobster hat, and strap on your oyster bibs for the 4th Annual Lobster Run/Walk 5k to Care for the Coast, on Saturday, April 13 in Asbury Park, NJ. The run/walk will be followed by an optional after-party and thanks to Forty North Oyster Farms, a raw oyster bar will be part of the lobster themed brunch buffet and drink specials hosted by Langosta Lounge. The menu will also include Lobster Mac & Cheese and Lobster Asparagus Strata. All event proceeds will benefit the American Littoral Society.  A bill to ban the sale or ownership of shark fins failed to pass New Jersey's legislature last year. The bill was re-introduced in January 2019 and on the last day of that month it passed the state Senate with a 33-6 vote.
Now in the hands of the General Assembly, the bill ( A4845) will be heard on Monday, March 18 in the Assembly Appropriations Committee at the Statehouse in Trenton, Committee Room 11, 4th Floor, State House Annex, starting at noon. This bill will ban the sale and trade of certain shark fins, which will reduce the chance that foreign shark fins end up in our state. While shark finning itself is banned by federal law, the states must ban the sale and possession of these fins to further protect sharks, which are a vital component of our ocean ecosystem. The Assembly Appropriations Committee includes Chairman John Burzichelli, Vice Chairman Gary Schaer, and members Herb Conaway, Wayne P. DeAngelo, Gabirela M. Mosquera, Ryan E. Peters, Eliana Pintor Marin, Kevin J. Rooney, Cleopatra G. Tucker, Jay Webber, and Harold J. Wirths. The American Littoral Society supports this bill and asks you to contact your state legislators to urge them to support its final passage. Click here to find your state legislator and their contact information. Read more for additional information.  UPDATE: No more volunteers are needed for this work. According to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection there has been tremendous response to the request for volunteers and volunteer enrollment has been closed.
The NJ Endangered and Nongame Species Program is seeking volunteers to install fencing to protect beach-nesting bird habitat. Fencing will last 2-4 hours depending on the site. The work involves pounding posts into sand, tying string and flagging between them and posting informational signage. Volunteers should be capable of walking long distances in the sand, be dressed for the weather (it's often cold and windy on the beach in spring) and bring their own water and snacks. Click read more for volunteer dates, times and locations. Fencing will only be postponed if weather is especially bad (wind, cold and light rain will not be enough to cancel).  Wednesday, March 6
6 - 8:30 p.m. Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library 121 Washington Street Toms River, NJ Free, Registration Required Join the American Littoral Society and Anglers for Offshore Wind Power for a dynamic night of interaction as we bring together New Jersey’s recreational fishing interests with fisheries liaisons from several current wind developers working in the New Jersey offshore area. Representatives from the following wind developers are expected: Equinor, Orsted, EDF Renewables, and Shell. The discussion will focus on offshore wind development issues of importance to the New Jersey recreational fishing community. Conversation topics will include:  What’s happening in our mid-Atlantic ocean on subjects such as wind energy, fishing, commerce and recreation? If you are interested or invested in the answer to that question, join representatives of the American Littoral Society and federal ocean managers for a MACO Ocean Planning Forum on March 20 at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ.
If you live or work along the Mid-Atlantic Ocean or coast, you have a stake in what happens. Make Your Voice Heard. The Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean (MACO) was established by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean to foster collaboration among states, federal agencies, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and federally recognized tribes. The purpose of MACO is to enhance the vitality of the region's ocean ecosystem and economy through increased communication and collaboration. Click Here for Agenda and Registration  NJ Assembly Bill 4221 (Pinkin) is coming before the Environment Committee on Thursday, Feb 14. That bill and its Senate companion, S. 1074 (Smith/Bateman/Gopal), provides for the protection of the public’s rights to beach access under the Public Trust Doctrine.
We thank Assemblywoman Nancy J. Pinkin for championing this bill in the NJ Assembly and believe it will ensure everyone has access to tidal waterways and their shores in the state. The American Littoral Society and other organizations have worked for years to protect public access to New Jersey beaches and tidal shorelines. This right is, unfortunately, often limited, interfered with or prevented throughout the state – from our ocean waters to the waterfronts of our cities and urban communities.  The American Littoral Society empowers people to care for their coast. Regardless of changing times, economies, and politics, the Society has defended the coast since 1961. We won't stop our efforts to protect coastal environments and their inhabitants, respond to the realities of climate change, rising seas and more frequent storms, and promote smart, nature-based solutions to these issues. We will continue to speak out for healthy and vibrant coastal and ocean environments.
Your gift, combined with those of others, enables us to accomplish our work of coastal conservation, and protect all the benefits the coastline brings to our lives. Working together, we can do more. Please make a one-time or reoccurring donation to our Annual Appeal to support the Society. As we continue to rely on support from you, and all those who love the coast, you can count on us to help keep you informed and involved.  Tuesday, February 26
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Surf BBQ & Burger 132 East River Road Rumson, NJ Reservations Required $32 per person Click Here to Purchase Tickets Together with the American Littoral Society, The Rumson Environmental Commission will screen the award-winning documentary film The Oyster Farmers, which beautifully illustrates life on the Barnegat Bay for oyster farmers who are trying to bring these delicious and environmentally beneficial bivalves back to New Jersey Waters. Oyster Farmers featured in the film will host a raw bar before the screening and will join the American Littoral Society after the film for a Q&A for attendees. Ticket price includes a prix fixe menu (with tax and tip), a raw bar, and the movie. A cash bar will be available.  Thursday, February 14, Noon (REGISTER)
Monday, February 25, 9 a.m. (REGISTER) Saturday, March 2, Noon (CLOSED) American Littoral Society HQ 18 Hartshorne Drive Highlands, NJ $10 for members $20 non-members Nothing says romance like spending Valentine's Day with seasonal wildlife on Sandy Hook. Bring your binoculars and join us on Feb. 14 for a trek through the park to observe the seals and waterfowl that overwinter in New Jersey. Or register online to attend one of the other scheduled walks. Participants will be car caravanning to multiple locations in Gateway National Recreation Area's Sandy Hook Unit. Dress for the weather and expect to walk about a mile on sandy beaches. Afterwards, warm up at Littoral Society Headquarters with snacks and toasty beverages. Keep an eye on the Littoral Society events calendar for any additional details. |
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