NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE AVAILABLE FOR NEW JERSEY BOATERS;LAUNCHED BY NEW JERSEY CLEAN VESSEL ACT PARTNERS(12/P89) TRENTON—
Boaters across New Jersey will have easier access to information aboutbest boating practices, fishing regulations and other vital and helpful facts throughNJBoating.org, a new website launched by members of the New Jersey’s Clean Vessel ActProgram, which includes the Department of Environmental Protection.NJBoating.org is a comprehensive, easy- to-use, interactive website that links visitors to a wealthof New Jersey boating information.
The site contains extensive information about the NewJersey CVA Program, including pumpout station locations -- contact information, water depth atpumpout sites and GPS coordinates -- as well as additional information to assist boaters, such aslocations and availability of public boat ramps, best boating practices and state fishingregulations.It is consistent with Governor Christie’s Comprehensive 10-Point Plan to restore Barnegat Bay,which includes by a major initiative to encourage green boating practices – an effort that also isapplicable to waters statewide.“Boaters will find it easier than ever to help protect New Jersey’s environment and naturalresources by using NJBoating.org to find a pumpout facility whenever they venture out for a dayof fishing or pleasure boating in the Garden State,’’ said Dave Chanda, Director of the DEP’sDivision of Fish and Wildlife. “Improperly disposed vessel-generated sewage can impact publichealth and wildlife, negatively affecting water quality and leading to potential closures ofbeaches and shellfish beds.’’
The website was designed by the Rutgers University Center for Remote Sensing and SpatialAnalysis, in coordination with the Clean Vessel Act Steering Committee, which includes theDEP, Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, Monmouth County Health Department, NewJersey Sea Grant Consortium, Ocean County Planning Department and the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency.“The Clean Vessel Act Committee recognized the potential of web technology and mobilecommunication for recreational boating, and saw real value in a website that could provideboaters with on-the-spot and up-to-date information about boating related resources,” said MikeDanko, chairman of the New Jersey Clean Vessel Act Program Steering Committee andAssistant Director for the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium Extension Program. “This websitewill make it easier for boaters to find pumpout station locations, as well as other amenities tomake their time on the water even more enjoyable.”
The Clean Vessel Act was passed by Congress in 1992 and provides funds for the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of sewage pumpout stations and dump stations for recreational boats, as well as information and education programs that encourage boaters to use pumpout facilities. More than 250 marina pumpout stations and eight pumpout boats in New Jersey waters have been funded since the program’s inception. As a result, millions of gallons of sewage have been removed from boats and treated safely.About 75 percent of funding for the CVA program is provided through the federal Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is derived from excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, plus import duties and interest on the fund. Matching funds are provided from New Jersey’s “Shore to Please” license plate sales.The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is an affiliation of colleges, universities and other groups dedicated to advancing knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment. NJSGC meets its mission through its innovative research, education and outreach programs.
To access the new boating website visit: www.NJBoating.org
To read the State Police Boating Safety Manual, visit:http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/maritime/pdf/052212_boatsafetymanual.pdf
To access the green boating component of Governor’s Christie’s Comprehensive 10 Point Barnegat Bay Plan, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/barnegatbay/plan-watercraft.htm
For more information about NJSGC, visit www.njseagrant.org.
MEDIA: Contact for N.J. Sea Grant Consortium: Kim Kosko (732-872-1300 X-18)
