A Public Petition - Bring Oysters back to the Navesink!
The Navesink River, our 2,100 acre natural waterway, is a sterling example of environmental stewardship. Over the years thousands of people have worked hard at improving water quality, reducing pollution, improving habitat, and nurturing fish stocks.
Please click HERE to enter your name and ZIP code to show your support
for bringing oysters back to the Navesink.
The Petition Text
"I support the Navesink River oyster restoration community (Baykeeper, COA, Littoral Society, NMHA, and so many others) in bringing attention to the need for change to the outdated regulations keeping a much needed oyster restoration project from taking place in the Navesink River. I request that State regulators prioritize the regulation and procedural changes that will allow the community to restore the Navesink River oyster population as soon as possible".
Water Quality Improving
Today it is a joy to think that we have so many productive Osprey nests along the river and that Bald Eagles, almost extinct in our area in the 1970's, also make the river their home. So the river is much cleaner than it was, but there is one omission from this saga of success - the absence of oysters.
It will take you less than 60 seconds - just two entries, Name and ZIP.
So, click HERE to show your support.
Some years ago the NY/NJ Baykeeper had permission and installed an oyster reef in the Navesink but in 2008 had to remove it due to regulations that basically argued: the river is not cleared for oyster cultivation, restored oysters could be poached and sold as safe oysters and then harm the public, and the reputation of the New Jersey Shellfish Industry.
History and science have moved on since then, NMHA, the NY/NJ Baykeeper, and many others, want to bring oysters back to benefit the river environment. Oysters and oyster reefs are a crucial component of global ocean health and serve as barriers to storms and tides, preventing erosion and protecting productive estuary waters, of which the Navesink is a prime example.
For a risk assessment, click HERE. For more information on the benefits of oysters to waterways, click HERE.
Navesink Maritime Heritage Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving knowledge and appreciation of Monmouth County's maritime heritage through programs that responds to its mission:
DISCOVER, ENGAGE, SUSTAIN
