Protecting Our Beaches: The Sandy Hook Project

The beaches in New Jersey have been a key component of the economy of the state for several years. These beaches have become increasingly under attack from pollutants, erosion, sewage, and changes in tidal patterns.

The recent reports of water quality changes in the Navesink River and other New Jersey waterways have lead to an increased emphasis on ways to protect our natural resources and the wildlife that live within them.

The (CSO) Combined Sewer Overflow pipes deposit pollutants from soaps, detergents, and other household sources into the ocean in the form of cakes which wash up on shore continually. This is coupled with the litter that becomes intertwined into the waterways as well.

The habitats of birds, fish, and other animals are adversely impacted by these forms of pollution. The consequences are critical for their survival and for the protection of our natural resources.

One of the most effective ways of dealing with these various forms of pollution comes in the form of the “beach sweeps” which are organized by a few local non-profit organizations. These sweeps help to clear out garbage or debris that could create a health hazard for the fish, birds, or other wildlife species.

Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, a state funded park which includes beaches, a bay, and smaller waterways is also under increased focus for environmental protection efforts. The park contains several species of birds and fish that have lived in this habitat historically for centuries.

I was able to visit some of these areas along Sandy Hook last week on a brisk day with abundant sunshine. The dunes areas have progressed well since the devastation from Hurricane Sandy over five years ago. The birds and wildlife were very active during my visit to the beach.

The American Littoral Society is another organization that helps protect the shore lines, particularly, with planting dune grass. The organization also provides nature walks, oyster conservation programs, and water quality advocacy for the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers.

The recent decisions rendered by the federal government with regard to offshore drilling for resources such as oil or natural gas is another area of great concern for the American Littoral Society and Clean Ocean Action. The drilling activity proposed threatens the habitats of animals, fish, and the potential for a public health issue for humans is increased as well.

This proposal for drilling threatens the shutdown of the fishing industry in the event of a spill and would have detrimental consequences to tourism which the state economy heavily relies upon. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is accepting public comments with a deadline of March 9th if you would like to get involved to save the coast from the effects of drilling.

I grew up going to the beach in Sea Bright and Sandy Hook, and I have lived on the beach in that area as well at one point. I care very deeply about the conservation and protection of these incredible natural resources and the wildlife that lives within those systems as well.

Please support the efforts to protect and preserve the oyster reefs, the beaches, the rivers, and the bay area surrounding Sandy Hook and the Gateway area. The future of our state is at stake from an economic, tourism, and public health perspective. Thank you for your support of this important cause.