Dear Editor, I recently read that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources was awarded one million dollars to continue restoring and monitoring oyster reefs within the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. NY/NJ Baykeeper once had similar program - working with a thriving oyster gardening and restoration program in Keyport and Red Bank that involved community members of all ages. But the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection banned shellfish programs in 2010. New Jersey is missing out on research and funding opportunities while New York was recently awarded $60 million by the federally-sponsored Rebuild by Design program to build a “living breakwater,” which includes oyster reefs off the south shore of Staten Island. I’m writing to inform readers of a New Jersey Senate bill that is scheduled for a vote later this month, which would allow shellfish research, restoration, and education programs to return to New Jersey waters. Programs would fuel job growth and allow for organizations to be eligible for funding to protect our coasts from flood damage and erosion. I hope the NJ Senate members make the right choice and vote yes on bill 2617. Our waterways and coasts belong to the public and we should be working on ways to make them stronger, cleaner, and safer. Sincerely,
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