It’s a bit chilly on the beach today, Save Jerseyans, but hundreds of warmly-dressed citizens turned out for a ‘Save the Whales’ rally on Sunday in Point Pleasant Beach. The large-scale rally follows a ninth whale death – in Manasquan – just last week.
Among those set to address the protesters gathering near Jenkinson’s Aquarium on the boardwalk is Congressman Chris Smith (R, NJ-04). Smith and the protesters continue to point the finger at offshore exploration undertaken by private companies catalyzed by the Murphy Administration’s push to erect hundreds of wind turbines near the coast.
“Thus far, sound surveys and the underwater noise generated by acoustic vessels have occurred, but next steps include construction, pile driving creating high intensity underwater noise,” Smith says in remarks prepared for delivery shared in advance with Save Jersey. “What impact does this noise have on whales, dolphins and other mammals and on fragile fish habitats and marine survival? Without serious, aggressive and independent analysis on the impact of these projects, they must be paused.”
Murphy and allies continue to deny a connection but, unsurprisingly, refuse to look any deeper at the issue. Smith’s colleague Jeff Van Drew (R, NJ-02) is planning hearing for March which will take place in South Jersey.
The rally began at 1 o’clock and, though the topic is grim, the mood was energetic notwithstanding the fact that it’s hardly “beach weather.”
Hundreds of community members here along the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk who showed up & are speaking out for the #SaveTheWhales Rally. Mayor @PaulKanitra is here along, along with local officials and members of congress. Massive turnout. pic.twitter.com/NWsQPiOfJy
— Ali Reid (@alireidtv) February 19, 2023