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Dear Friends of NY/NJ Baykeeper,
Today NY/NJ Baykeeper removed oysters from its Keyport Harbor in order to comply with an order from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This experimental project was the largest in-water oyster research project in the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary and Baykeeper staff and Rutgers University were just beginning to gather important scientific data to assess the feasibility of large-scale oyster restoration efforts in the area’s waterbodies.
To read more about how we were forced to do this by NJDEP, please read our press release and information on our efforts to save the oysters. to see photos of the press conference click here.
Deborah A. Mans Baykeeper & Executive Director
NY/NJ Baykeeper
52 W. Front Street
Keyport, NJ 07735
732.888.9870
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July 19, 2010
Statement of NY/NJ Baykeeper on NJDEP's Notice of Violation
We disagree with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's decision to issue NY/NJ Baykeeper a Notice of Violation, but intend to comply to the fullest extent required by law. We are truly saddened that this directive came despite numerous attempts by us to reach a compromise with respect to the legitimate use of shellfish for research, restoration and educational purposes in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary. It is particularly disheartening because we have never seen a state agency attack a single environmental organization in such a public and vicious manner. As recently as yesterday morning, I sat next to senior NJDEP officials at a Senate Environment Committee hearing as they promised to work cooperatively with us to resolve the matter. Just hours later the same officials issued this directive to our organization. We have continuously shown a willingness to work together. NJDEP has shown nothing but bad faith. NJDEP is using our small research project to hide the larger problem - that NJDEP has for years been underfunding and understaffing its shellfish patrol program statewide. A recent FDA report indicates that New Jersey is at risk of losing its ability to ship shellfish out of state because of numerous deficiencies in their program, unrelated to our work. Banning important research and educational projects will not bring NJDEP into compliance with FDA's requirements. Shame on the NJDEP going after projects like ours that clean up the water, provide habitat, and engage students in our urban communities. Debbie Mans, Baykeeper & Executive Director
Additional information relating to the Keyport Reef conflict, including Baykeeper's correspondence with DEP regarding the Removal Plan, can be viewed here.
Please visit our Action Alerts page for information on letter writing and how to help.
Visit our Up-to-date News Page regarding this issue.
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