Water Safety Reminders

Alliance for a Living Ocean (ALO), a non-profit environmental organization based on Long Beach Island in Southern New Jersey, will be posting signs at public boat ramps and private marinas this summer reminding watercraft users to operate their vessels at safe speeds and to stay at least 100 feet away from the wetlands. These signs will be posted at public and private marinas and boat launching ramps throughout the New Jersey shore.

ALO is hoping that this practice will insure future opportunities for bird watching, enjoying a day fishing/crabbing/clamming, or just having a good seafood meal by preserving the fragile wetland eco-systems of New Jersey.

Noise from motorized watercraft can disturb local and migratory bird populations while nesting, feeding, breeding. Several threatened and endangered species use the New Jersey Shore for these purposes.

Jet propulsion and boat props damage eelgrass beds, which serve as a nursery for many fish, shellfish, and crabs. Sediment, which is stirred up by watercraft in the shallow bay, shades marine plant life therefore limiting its growth. This plant life is a vital source of food for many marine animals.

ALO is still seeking private businesses wishing to display the attractive 12" x 18" signs at their establishments to educate water users about their responsibility. The signs are available to any interested business in New Jersey and can be obtained by calling Alliance for a Living Ocean at (609) 492-0222.

This project is made possible by a grant from the Boat U.S. Foundation.

Alliance for a Living Ocean is a grass roots non-profit (501-c-3) organization based in North Beach Haven, NJ with over 2,000 members in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. ALO promotes clean coastal waters through educational programs, legislation, and outreach. The Alliance can be reached at (609) 492-0222, or visit the ALO Environmental Center at 2007 Long Beach Boulevard, North Beach Haven, NJ.

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Author: Press Release