May 24, 2014 — Telephone calls, a social media campaign and airborne advertising banners are all part of a campaign this weekend by environmental activists and fishermen to block a scientific study of the sea floor that will use a seismic air gun to probe layers of ancient sediments.
A research consortium led by Rutgers University said the project is critical to understanding links between sea level and climate changes over the ages — and for the future, to understand where 21st century sea level rise is headed. Like a medical sonogram, reflected sound waves from the sea floor will yield a three-dimensional image of those past changes.
Fishermen contend they are worried that doing the survey in summer will scare fish away and hurt their industry, still struggling with the effects of superstorm Sandy.
Scientists said it's the best time of year for this work.
"But there's more fish and whales and (endangered) sturgeon this time of the year than any other," said Thomas P. Fote of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association. "There's been a danger of shutting down the whole East Coast (fishing) industry over sturgeon."
The study area will affect the Barnegat Ridge, an offshore formation that's important fishing grounds for recreational and commercial fishermen, said James Lovgren, a captain with the Fishermen's Dock Cooperative in Point Pleasant Beach.
"It's going to scare fish 20 or 30 miles away," Lovgren said of the booming air gun.
Read the full story at the Asbury Park Press