Pallone Writes to NOAA in Opposition to Seismic Testing Near Jersey Coast

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D NJ-06) today released a letter he sent with Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in opposition to an application for seismic testing during a geophysical survey conducted by Rutgers University less than 16 miles off the coast of Long Beach Island, New Jersey. The letter requests a 60-day extension of the public comment period.

In their letter, the Senators and Congressman wrote, “Scientific studies are essential to better understanding climate change and its impacts. However we are concerned that seismic activity during the peak summer season just miles off of New Jersey’s coast have the potential to not only cause significant harm to marine life and habitat, but will threaten our coastal economy as well… Allowing for seismic surveys off the coast of New Jersey sets a dangerous precedent for future efforts to explore offshore for oil and gas, something we have strongly opposed in the Mid-Atlantic region and will continue to strongly oppose off of New Jersey.”

The Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory and National Science Foundation applied for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA), which would allow for the injury or disturbance of marine mammals during a marine geophysical survey. An IHA was approved last year despite Congressman Pallone’s opposition but the project did not move forward due to mechanical issues.

The full text of the letter follows.

April 16, 2015

Dear Administrator Sullivan:

We write today in regards to the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory and National Science Foundation’s application for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) which would allow the take of marine mammals by harassment during a marine geophysical survey conducted by Rutgers University less than 16 miles off the coast of Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

Scientific studies are essential to better understanding climate change and its impacts. However we are concerned that seismic activity during the peak summer season just miles off of New Jersey’s coast have the potential to not only cause significant harm to marine life and habitat, but will threaten our coastal economy as well. In fact, during a similar cruise last summer, the Research Vessel Marcus G. Langseth encountered at least 108 animals over the course of just 15 days of observation. According to the project’s Protected Species Mitigation and Monitoring Report, observers recorded visual detections of protected species 41 times, including detections of multiple types of sea turtles, three types of dolphins, and a Humpback whale.

Allowing for seismic surveys off the coast of New Jersey sets a dangerous precedent for future efforts to explore offshore for oil and gas, something we have strongly opposed in the Mid-Atlantic region and will continue to strongly oppose off of New Jersey. In March, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) determined that the project is inconsistent with the state’s rules on Coastal Zone Management. In the determination, DEP cited foreseeable adverse impacts to fisheries, endangered or threatened wildlife, and to New Jersey’s coastal resources.

We respectfully request a 60-day extension to the public comment period so that members of the public have sufficient time to thoroughly review the proposed study and environmental assessment and provide meaningful input. We appreciate your time and attention to this matter and look forward to your response. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact our offices.

Sincerely,

Cory A. Booker Robert Menendez Frank Pallone

United States Senator United States Senator Member of Congress