Avalon, NJ – The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce hosted a press conference in partnership with the Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2nd), New Jersey Tourism Industry Association and the Business Alliance for the Protection of the Atlantic Coast on Monday, June 19. A unified opposition to Seismic Testing in the Atlantic Ocean which threatens tourism, commercial and recreational fishing was displayed between business, elected officials and conservation groups.
“I am proud to join with business owners, environmental leaders, concerned citizens and local elected officials in opposition to seismic testing and drilling off the Jersey Shore. I have long warned against drilling in the Mid-Atlantic region, which would put at risk some of the nation’s most sensitive coastal and marine resources. Today’s event in Avalon reinforces that protecting these areas is critically important to local residents and coastal communities that rely on the cleanliness of our beaches and our tourism economy - a $43 billion industry that supports more than 500,000 jobs. Additionally, our robust commercial and recreational fisheries depend on these waters for their livelihoods,” said Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02). “There is no ambiguity of our opposition and those in Washington and within New Jersey who continue to push for these misguided and dangerous proposals should recognize the strong opposition and cease immediately.”
According to Vicki Clark, President of the Cape May County Chamber and NJTIA and a founding member of BAPAC, this press conference was held to bring greater attention to the very real threat to our coastal economy and quality of life. “Seismic testing is old technology and endangers marine mammals which will be killed, harmed, or displaced. Marine mammal strandings often occur after seismic testing due to injury and disorientation with negative publicity impacting hotel occupancy. Seismic testing harms and displaces big-game fish, affecting not just these species but also causes reduced catches by commercial fishermen, which results in less local seafood and increased prices.”
Seismic testing is conducted to search for offshore oil. “There is no way to prevent an oil spill from happening, and the consequences would be devastating to our environment and our economy. Now is not the time to backslide to a coal- and natural gas-dependent economy, but to move toward a renewable energy portfolio that relies heavily on clean sources such as solar and wind,” said Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, an organization that serves as the political voice for the environment. “We wish to thank Rep. LoBiondo for his leadership in protecting our state and its vibrant coastal communities from this renewed threat.”
To register your opposition to seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean before the 30-day comment period ends June 30, visit www.capemaycountychamber.com/actioncenter. For more information, contact the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce at 609-465-7181.
