New Jersey Clean Vessel Act Partners Collaborate to Launch New Interactive Website for Boaters
Boaters now have easier access to current and useful information about best boating practices, fishing regulations and much more thanks to the release of NJBoating.org, a brand new website recently launched by New Jersey’s Clean Vessel Act Program (CVA).
NJBoating.org is a comprehensive, easy to use, interactive website that links visitors to the best of boating in New Jersey. The site contains extensive information about the New Jersey Clean Vessel Act Program including pumpout station locations, contact information, depth at pumpout and GPS coordinates, as well as additional information to assist boaters such as locations of boat ramps available to the public, types of ramps available, best boating practices, and fishing regulations.
“The CVA Committee recognized the potential of web technology and mobile communication for recreational boating, and saw real value in a website that could provide boaters with on-the-spot and up-to-date information about boating related resources”, said Mike Danko, Chairman of the New Jersey Clean Vessel Act Program Steering Committee and Assistant Director for the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium Extension Program. “This website will make it easier for boaters to find pumpout station locations, as well as other amenities to make their time on the water even more enjoyable.” “Vessel generated sewage impacts people and wildlife and can cause the closure of shellfish beds and beaches, said David Chanda, Director of the NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. “It is now easier than ever for boaters to help protect New Jersey’s environment and natural resources by using the NJBoating.org website to find a pumpout facility whenever they venture out for a day of fishing, or pleasure boating in the Garden State.”
The NJBoating.org website was designed and is hosted by by Rutgers Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis. Members of the CVA Steering Committee who were instrumental in developing NJBoating.org include, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, Monmouth County Health Department, the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, the DEP’s Watershed Restoration Section, the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, Ocean County Planning Department, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The Clean Vessel Act was passed by Congress in 1992 and provides funds for the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of sewage pumpout stations and dump stations for recreational boats, as well as information and education programs that encourage boaters to use pumpout facilities. More than 250 marina pumpout stations and eight pumpout boats have been funded throughout the state since the program’s inception. As a result, millions of gallons of sewage that could have ended up in waterways has been removed from boats and treated safely.
Funding for the CVA program is provided through the federal Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (75 percent) derived from excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, import duties and interest on the fund. Matching funds (25 percent) are provided from New Jersey’s “Shore to Please” license plate sales.
The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is an affiliation of colleges, universities and other groups dedicated to advancing knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment. NJSGC meets its mission through its innovative research, education and outreach programs. For more information about NJSGC, visit njseagrant.org.
