3/26/14 Project Biologist Howard Ruben Project Manager Jenifer E. Thalhauser The US Army Corps of Engineers New York District Planning Division – Environmental Branch 26 Federal Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10278-0090 Dear Mr. Ruben and Ms. Thalhauser, The Jersey Coast Anglers Association represents approximately 75 conservation, fishing and environmental clubs and organizations throughout our state. At our general membership meeting on 3/25/14, with the exception of one abstention, we were unanimously opposed to the beach replenishment plan and in particular we are vehemently opposed to the notching of the jetties (groins) in the Elberon to Loch Arbor Reach. We share your concern in that we want to protect the shoreline and coastal homes but believe that there are better ways to do this. We would like to work with you to develop options to do so for both the long and short term. However, we are opposed to your plan for a number of reasons. • This area is now most commonly known as “jetty country” but in the past it was better known as “jetty row”. The area has a storied past for the thousands of fishermen who have fished and continue to fish there. To us the area is absolutely sacrosanct. • Notching the jetties will prohibit access to fishermen who have traditionally used them for approximately 100 years. • Worse still is that notching the jetties will cause strong rip currents that will be a danger to all who enter the water. This will be particularly hazardous to our children and we don’t want them to drown as they are swept away by the currents. • The jetties have done their job in protecting the coastline and this area is further protected by its natural bluffs. Though there was indeed damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, this area faired far better than many other areas along our coast. • Aerial photography that dates back many years has shown that this area traditionally does not have a wide beach. Changing its natural contour may not only put it at risk, but may create problems elsewhere. • Your proposed plan is at best a very short term solution to a long term problem that will more likely put our people and property along the coast in peril while causing extreme damage to the marine ecosystem. More specifically, it will be detrimental to various sought after species such as striped bass, blackfish, fluke, bluefish and weakfish. It will be devastating to smaller forages species, such as sand fleas and crabs that will be wiped out as they are covered by sand. What effect do you think that will have on the fish, birds and other wildlife that depend on them? • Anadromous species such as alewives will be severely limited or prohibited from reaching their spawning grounds if the entrances to these areas are covered by sand. Pipes extending further into the ocean might alleviate this problem to some extent but they would be have to be maintained and kept clear from drifting sand. Again, this poses a significant risk to the overall ecosystem. • The destruction of the area’s ecosystem will not be limited to the beach and jetty area. Your plan will also bury much of the extremely important marine habitat while destroying choice fishing grounds at natural rock outcroppings just off the coast. In conclusion, we are strongly opposed to the plan. We suggest that it be canceled or postponed until other options can be developed and considered. We believe the destruction that will be caused by the implementation of your plan will have a negative impact not only on the coastal environment but on the economy as well. It will result in fewer fishermen coming to this area by both boat and from shore. That will in turn hurt the tackle stores, marinas, motels, restaurants, gas stations and the many other business that depend on our support. Again, we would like to be part of the solution and are willing to have representatives from our association meet with you to discuss possible remedies to this problem. Respectfully submitted, Paul Haertel President, JCAA 160 Doherty Dr. Clifton, N.J. 07013 Cell (973) 943-8201
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 19:40:46 +0000
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