| Things to think about Through
great efforts in controlling pollution, especially sewage-related
discharges, ocean and bay beach closings have been dramatically
reduced.
New
Jersey not only has fewer beach closings than other shoreline
states, but also achieves this with higher standards and more
comprehensive monitoring than most.
People
once believed incorrectly that the ocean was so vast that it
could absorb any amount of pollution.
Our
beaches continue to face new threats from off our shores and
we need to be diligent about protecting our coastal waters.
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Importance
Millions
of people visit our beaches every year. The Jersey Shore is
a key element of quality of life in our state and a major tourist
draw that contributes significantly to the state economy. Generally,
beach closings are caused by nonpoint source pollution, typically
due to runoff from streets and lawns. Less frequently, failures
in sewage collection and treatment systems occur and may result
in beach closings.
Economic
Beach
closings are highly visible events that can drive away potential
visitors and reduce the large revenues that are otherwise generated
by coastal tourism. They tarnish the general reputation of our
state, hurting our chances to attract new jobs and businesses.
Environmental
Extended
beach closings represent serious incidents of pollution mainly
due to elevated levels of fecal coliform from wildlife and stormwater
runoff. Beaches are closed when conditions are detected that
may be unhealthful for humans. No closings have been attributable
to floating debris since 1990.
Social
Many
families have gone to the beach every summer for generations.
The beach provides recreation for people of all ages. Beach
closings ruin this pastime and limit our options for summer
outings. Trips to the shore are an important part of New Jersey’s
quality of life.
Knowledge
Gaps
Pollution levels
may be just short of the level at which a closing is required
for many days a year, but that would not show up in this indicator.
Although the monitoring performed for recreational bathing is
very comprehensive, it does not include all contaminants. Ecosystems
can be affected by lower levels of pollution and by factors
that are not threats to human health.
Note:
See the Technical Appendix for a change in the description of
this indicator since the 1999 Sustainable State Project Report.
Data
Source: NJ Department of Environmental Protection
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