Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

I wanted to start a new thread here as a way to move on to the next step.
We are all in agreement in the NJFishing community that the proposed designation of Sandy Hook Bay, The Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers and their tributaries as a National Marine Sanctuary is a terrible idea. It is a direct threat to our rights. So. What next?

We need a coordinated effort to prevent this happening.

Some things I think we should start looking into such as:

-Is this just Rik Van Hemmen's personal pet project or does he have other people/entities/organizations backing or funding him? We need transparency on this so we know exactly who and what we are dealing with.

-Can we somehow block the application process from happening? I don't know if there is a mechanism in place where if enough opposition is generated the application itself can be tossed before it even gets to the desk of the person/entity who could enact the NMS.

-If we can't block it than who or what agency actually gives the thumbs up or down on whether or not the designation goes through. Once we establish who has final say we can begin the process of making our voice heard through petitions, phone calls etc.

Maybe the RFA or anyone else can weigh in here and answer these questions or post more question in regards to this. This is a serious threat and we can't waste a moment getting on the ball.
I want to keep this all fresh in everyone's mind and the last thread has kind of run it's course.

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

Capt:
Absolutely agreed we need to go further and Stop this in its tracks.
As a board member of RFA-NJ, I can tell you the following:
RFA National and RFA-NJ are preparing to pursue this further by making a major push with local mayors and councils, Monmouth County freeholders and state legislators. Jim D has already spoken with the Lt. Governor, who lives in Monmouth Beach and fishes. Also hope to have a petition against it at The Somerset Show as well as an online petition. We are working on all of the above.
If anyone on here is not a member now is a good time to sign up for RFA and help make a difference.

Will keep you posted as this develops and there are things to sign on too

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

The link below explains the nomination process

http://www.nominate.noaa.gov/

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

It would seem that you could spend hours upon hours going from one link to the next on the original Web page that was set up for this. I seem to recall that in the beginning there was a page you could go to to see letter both for and against this Sanctuary process. that page now seems to be wiped out? However there has to be a way that we can find an address to send our letters of disapproval to. I will continue to go from link to link until I find it.

On organization I did find, that I think may require close observation of is http://nmsfocean.org/

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

Submit your own nomination and plan to NOAA and set up your own board to make decisions on fishing and general use.

Beat them to the punch.

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

As far as I can determine, he is running this himself with a few like minded individuals. He is in the "scoping phase" looking for exposure and support.

Unless he can be convinced it will not succeed, anyone can submit a NMS nomination.

Here is the site that explains the process:

http://www.nominate.noaa.gov/

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

Here is a link to the Just Say No Petition we will have at the Somerset Show.
Working on the online version

http://www.dneconsulting.com/DraftPetition.pdf

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

Thanks Dave !!!!!!

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

I can tell everyone this, I spoke with Phil Sciortino jr. Today of the tackle box (non sponsor I know) but this should transcend sponsor non sponsor I think. He has been in touch with multiple entities inclouding the RFA in terms of what the next step he is as adamant that this a terrible idea as anyone.

We all need to stand together on this but rest assured steps are being taken everyday to prevent this travesty. There will be an online petition from what I understand going up shortly.

Re: Continued Discussion of the NMS proposal
 

Has anyone tried this:

https://www.change.org/