News Flash! The lawsuit is 50 pages in length. NJOA: Christie Admin. to Appeal Court Ruling on Seismic Testing NJ DEP IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lawrence Ragonese (609) 292-2994 July 8, 2014 Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795 Bob Considine (609) 984-1795 CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION TO APPEAL FEDERAL RULING ALLOWING FEDERAL SEISMIC OCEAN TESTING TO PROCEED DEP ARGUES WORK OFF THE COAST OF BARNEGAT INLET COULD HARM MARINE LIFE AND THE STATES TOURISM AND FISHING INDUSTRIES (14/P71) TRENTON --The Christie Administration will appeal todays U.S. District Court ruling that allows seismic testing by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to move forward despite concerns raised by the State that the survey could adversely impact New Jerseys vital tourism and fishing industries, and harm fish and marine mammals, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin said today. This ruling is very disappointing to the Administration, and could have a negative impact on the ocean and its wildlife, Commissioner Martin said. The DEP believes this research, which would use loud, powerful sound blasts to map the ocean floor, will likely have a detrimental effect on New Jerseys fisheries and marine mammals. We must take no chances when it comes to protecting our ocean resources, our commercial and recreational fishing, and our states $40 billion tourism economy. A healthy ocean is vital to our residents, our visitors, and our businesses. The state is working on filing an appeal with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, following a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Peter G. Sheridan, presiding in Trenton, who earlier today said the project can move forward. The judge did allow a one-day stay of his ruling to allow the state to have time to file an appeal. The seismic study is funded by the National Science Foundation and led by Rutgers University. DEP contends that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration failed to act properly when NOAA denied the DEPs request to study fisheries impacts. The DEPs Bureau of Marine Fisheries and Office of Environmental Review have both concluded this seismic activity would likely negatively impact New Jerseys fish and marine mammal populations, including threatened and endangered species. DEP contends that this proposed seismic research can either directly harm fish or disrupt migration patterns that will have a detrimental impact on our commercial and recreational fishing industry. The studys one-month time window coincides with the height of fish migrations through the study area. This time window also accounts for nearly 20 percent of the annual catch for many species of fish. In addition to fisheries impacts, the DEP further contends that the study will have an impact on marine mammals that migrate through the area and into New Jerseys coastal waters. Rutgers University received funding from the National Science Foundation to conduct seismic ocean blasting tests between 15 and 50 miles east of Barnegat Inlet as part of a climate change study. The process involves the repeated blasts of compressed air by underwater seismic air guns that are designed to determine the scientific understanding of changes in sea level rise by examining deep sea sediments. These air-gun blasts can generate up to 250 decibels underwater. NOAA is in the process of updating its Marine Mammal Acoustic Guidance, which set standards on how man-made sounds like seismic testing, sonar tests and ship noise, can affect marine mammals. Currently, the threshold level at which underwater noise is considered to pose dangers to marine wildlife is 160 decibels, which is louder than a jet engine. The view the states legal papers on the request to seek injunctive relief in federal court, please visit: nj.gov/dep/docs/seismic-testing-federal-complaint.pdf Members of NJOA Conservation Foundation. Saltwater & Freshwater Angling Organizations Jersey Coast Angler Association Trout Unlimited NJ Beach Buggy Association Hudson River Fishermens Association Reef Rescue Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association Jersey Coast Shark Anglers Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club Hi-Mar Striper Club Round Valley Trout Association Berkeley Striper Club Raritan Bay Anglers Club Sandy Hook Bay Anglers Hunting & Trapping Organizations New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmens Clubs (also Fishing) United Bowhunters of NJ NJ Trappers Association National Wild Turkey Federation Ruffed Grouse Society United Blood Trackers Sunrise Rod and Gun Club (also Fishing) NJ Fur Harvesters New Jersey Waterfowlers Association Forestry Organizations New Jersey Forestry Association Society of American Foresters Animal Welfare Organizations National Animal Interest Alliance Diving Organizations NJ Council of Diving Clubs Conservation, Political, Environmental Stewardship Organizations New Jersey Outdoor Alliance ###################### Anthony P. Mauro, Sr Chair nj.gov/dep/docs/seismic-testing-federal-complaint.pdf New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 16:10:14 +0000
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