Politics & Government

Legislators to DEP: Go Slow on Boating Regulations

Conservation zones in Barnegat Bay could end up slowing down boaters, critics say

State Senator Christopher Connors and Assembly members Brian Rumpf and DiAnne Gove (all R-9) have penned a joint letter to the state Department of Environmental Protection, urging the agency to take things slow on a measure which could have profound impacts on local boaters and anglers.

The words of caution from the elected officials are over so-called "conservation zones" on Barnegat Bay, the final action item in Gov. Chris Christie's 10 point plan to restore the waterway.

The conservation zones would allow areas identified as needing special protection from human encroachment to be covered under special regulatory plans, which critics have said could lead to never-ending “no wake” zones on the bay or restrictions on fishing or crabbing

Find out what's happening in Brickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Proponents have said the protections could preserve underwater plant life necessary to restore the waterway to its former glory. Still others have argued that state law already prohibits boats from traveling at a high speed close to shore, where the sea grasses are located, and enforcement of current laws as they relate to jet-skis should be stepped up.

A stakeholder meeting on the conservation zones in Toms River, out of which came one bone of contention that led the legislative team to write its letter to DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.

Find out what's happening in Brickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Of particular concern is that, over a period of a few weeks, the number of proposed conservation zones increased from six ... to sixteen," letter said.

Some of the areas identified in the state’s latest map as sensitive border or even cross into heavily-used boat channels, including the Double Creek and Oyster Creek channels which lead to Barnegat Inlet, and portions of the intracoastal waterway in the open bay between Barnegat Light and North Beach. Few additional areas have been identified in the northern bay, however.

The local legislative delegation, which represents much of Ocean County, said in its letter that while it is their ultimate goal to restore Barnegat Bay, it is also incumbent upon the state to protect the "traditional uses" of the bay.

"Accordingly, our delegation believes that it is prudent and and appropriate that the process be slowed down and that no decision be made without holding addition stakeholder meetings," the letter said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here