The Fishermen and Fisherwomen of New Jersey Support a Constitutional Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment for all New Jersey residents, including future generations.

Dear Members of the New Jersey Legislature,

As fishermen and fisherwomen in New Jersey who rely on the abundance and health of aquatic life in our waters for everything from commercial selling of fish to recreational enjoyment in the outdoors, we are abundantly aware of the effects an unhealthy environment can have on the ecosystems and wildlife of our state. New Jersey’s commercial and recreational fishing supports thousands of jobs in the state, brings in significant funds to our economy, and attracts tourists from across the nation.

The coasts, wetlands, streams, estuaries, and rivers of New Jersey provide critical habitat for many critical species of fish. Pollution in our rivers has caused massive amounts of bacteria to consume all the oxygen created dead zones for fish. Harmful algal blooms are popping up all over our state depriving the wildlife of their habitat and thus lessening the opportunities for those who come to our state for recreational fishing. Overdevelopment and laxed regulations have caused degradation of wetlands and dwindled the beautiful open spaces and access to waterways that are crucial for those fishing for enjoyment or for a living.

We will no longer be known as a state with beautiful fishing habitat and healthy aquatic life if our waters and its surrounding lands are continuously poisoned. If New Jersey’s environment and our residents’ rights to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment are not prioritized, the attraction of New Jersey’s  fishing recreation and commercial fisheries will surely diminish. Taking away not just the health of our fish away but our own health. Those of us that fish for jobs or fish for leisure rely on the health of our waters to sustain our lives and our livelihood. Not to mention, those that come to New Jersey to enjoy the seafood many of us catch should enjoy it without worrying about ingesting fish poisoned with PFAS, chemicals, and more.

Please help us to protect the state that we love by voting YES on the New Jersey Green Amendment and send it to the voters for our approval.

Sincerely,