Stop Rutgers Seismic Testing!

[fellinger]

Help stop seismic testing off the coast of NJ this summer. Rutgers has applied for and received permission from the federal government to do seismic testing in some of NJ best recreational and commercial fishing areas. As part of the permit they received an harassment permit which allows the death of up thousands of sea creatures including tuna, whales, and dolphins. ABC News

Contact Rutgers President and let him know he should stop this study! Rutger President contact info.

[Hunter 2]

 
Thanks Fred

[Hotrod]

   Fixed the link.. email sent.. Not that he cares I'm sure!!

[Takes Prizoners]

I say, let them do it for 2 days to see if that's why those yellowfins were all over the inshore last year.  If it is, shut them down and give them 2 more days next year. lol

[Hunter 2]

They might blow up the Belugas

[Luna Sea 5]

 

[njdiver]

R/V Marcus G. Langseth

She is on the move! Presently in New Jersey waters off Breezy Point, NY heading south.

[Hotrod]

 

[Reckless]

Sent email. Might help if enought do it.

[fellinger]

I received a response from the President of Rutgers...

Dear Mr. Ellinger:

Thank you for writing to me and expressing your concern about the National Science Foundation-funded project to use acoustic images to map the ocean floor to better understand sea level rise.  The project is a collaborative effort involving several universities, with the federal funding from the NSF.

The project is operating in accordance with regulations established by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. Its permit applications were twice approved by fisheries biologists and endangered species experts with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service.

Ship operations follow strict protocols to minimize disruption to marine wildlife.  Five specialists in the behavior of marine species, who have no association with the scientists or their research, will be on board for the entire cruise to listen, watch, and record the behavior of marine species 24/7. If marine mammals or turtles come within a designated radius of the ship, its sound sources will be turned off until the animals leave the area.

Sincerely,

Robert Barchi

My response and carbon copy to Senator Michael Fitzpatrick....

Dear sir. While I appreciate your response I don’t think you truly understand the potential implications this study may have on marine life and the commercial and recreational fishing industries. This study has been fought by your own State's DEP. Why would you continue to choose to support a program that may cost the lives of thousands of marine animals/mammals, some of which are endangered or threatened. What is the benefit to the university? And if you insisted on moving forward with this study, many of whom believe is a cloak for underwater oil exploration why insist on it being performed in the middle of the prime fishing season? This study not only endangers marine life but, also the economy of NJ and the livelihood of commercial fisherman.

The notion that the ship will 'turn off' the seismic systems if it sees animals in the area is just unbelievable. The study's own permit to 'take' or harass up to thousands of animals in itself indicates there will be little-to-no effort taken to allow animals to leave the area. Perhaps the general public is naïve enough to believe this but, stewards of the oceans are not.

I am hopeful that you have begun working on your press release for when the first pod of dead dolphins or whales begin to wash-up along the NJ coast.

In an effort to continue to fight this I will be forwarding all correspondence with you to fellow fisherman, the media and my Senator, Michael Fitzpatrick.

If you cannot stop it please consider rescheduling it.

Respectfully,

[Hotrod]

BS.. 

[njdiver]

The Marcus G. Langseth is now listed for "Restricted Maneuverability" which indicates she is towing an array.  Her track shows the wide turn of a vessel in tow.   

[Hotrod]

Why does this show her heading North off AC
https://www.marinetraffic.com/

[fellinger]

Why does this show her heading North off AC
https://www.marinetraffic.com/

Commence whale killing, tuna harassment, and oil finding! Maybe that POS will breakdown, the array get snagged, or attacked by a giant sea monster.

[paul-e]

 

[Takes Prizoners]

I'm surprised none of those guys have jumped on this thread yet........like the last one

[Reckless]

Response from Rutgers. Seems to be the same as everyone else.

Dear Mr. Eureyecko,

Thank you for writing to me and expressing your concern about the National Science Foundation-funded project to use acoustic images to map the ocean floor to better understand sea level rise.  The project is a collaborative effort involving several universities, with the federal funding from the NSF.

The project is operating in accordance with regulations established by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. Its permit applications were twice approved by fisheries biologists and endangered species experts with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service.

Ship operations follow strict protocols to minimize disruption to marine wildlife.  Five specialists in the behavior of marine species, who have no association with the scientists or their research, will be on board for the entire cruise to listen, watch, and record the behavior of marine species 24/7. If marine mammals or turtles come within a designated radius of the ship, its sound sources will be turned off until the animals leave the area.

Sincerely,

Robert Barchi

[Kenny]

Latest track ...

[razorhead68]

Crazy stuff. Felling fwiw Michael Fitzpatrick is a congressman not a senator.

[fellinger]

Yeah even know that. Stuff happens.