The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is informing the public that Rutgers University is working with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) to engage stakeholders to collect information about recreational uses of the Atlantic Ocean and the bays to develop data about recreational uses that can inform planning activities in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
As part of that effort, there will be a series of one-day workshops to capture spatial information about how New Jersey's waters are being used for recreation. The public is invited to participate in ONE of the following workshops:
* November 14 and 15 - Atlantic Cape Community College, Mays Landing, NJ
* November 20 and 21 - Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ
Each workshop runs from approximately 8:30 and ends no later than 4:00. Participants are asked to select one of the four dates to participate.
These workshops are part of an overall effort of MARCO, of which New Jersey is a Management Board member, to seek input from marine industry stakeholders, including commercial and recreational fishers, offshore energy, tourism, ports, shipping and navigation, national security, recreational users (e.g. surfers, boaters, wildlife viewers etc.), and conservation groups.
At the workshop participants will be asked to identify areas of the ocean and bays that are used for various recreational activities. This information will serve as one important component to incorporate into marine spatial planning efforts for New Jersey's waters as well as regionally through MARCO.
The deadline for registering has been extended to Friday, November 8; registration can be done via e-mail at njoceanusesworkshop@ejb.rutgers.edu or phone at 848-932-2725.); questions about the workshop can be directed there as well.
For more information about the workshop view the Letter of Invitation as a Google Doc at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ONSmOGb1Xp3VhOYrhcTO3IxXiSDZfo8pI_-SKYSzS-4aLb9t4UkhBzVy1rzV/edit?usp=sharing The workshop flyer also can be viewed as a Google Doc at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2a93eu6HiTxM0Rfb25TUXFuYzg/edit?usp=sharing For more information on MARCO visit their website at
http://midatlanticocean.org/ .
