Plenty has been written recently on the seismic study going on off Long Beach Island both in the press and in JCAA newspapers and elsewhere. There certainly is a disagreement between the scientists conducting the study and recreational fishermen, commercial fishermen, the NJ DEP, politicians representing NJ, and others. Positions seem to be intractable and both sides have dug their heels in.
In everything I’ve seen written and have written myself in support of opposing the study at this time, I don’t recall anyone from the recreational side or the commercial side making this personal with personal attacks on the scientists conducting this study or being involved somehow in the study. However, the same can’t be said for the scientific community. Tom Fote has been called a liar and I have been attacked. It just makes me wonder why they would have to stoop to these personal attacks? Could it be the science doesn’t support their position and they have to resort to these sorts of tactics? Or could it be out of fear they may lose their grant monies which they rely on? There has to be some motivation to resort to these kinds of tactics.
The position that JCAA has taken is no different than the Governor has taken, the NJ DEP has taken, the politicians have taken, the environmental groups have taken and everyone else opposing the study has taken. Is the Governor a liar? Is Bob Martin, the commissioner of the DEP, and his staff liars? Is Senator Booker a liar? Is Congressman Pallone a liar? Is Senate President Stephen Sweeney a liar? Is Clean Ocean Action lying? Is the RFA lying? Is the Garden State Seafood Association lying? Is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center lying?
I’ve said what I have to say. I’m not going to resort to their arrogant and irresponsible type of tactics. Anyway, it’s out of our hands. The matter is going to court and we’ll let the courts handle it from here on. But there is a positive side; the scientists have managed to drive the recreational groups, commercials groups and environmental groups together to work together for a common goal. And that is no easy feat.
