From the Editor
If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized by the sun rising over the ocean or caught yourself lost in the sound of crashing waves, you know that our coastline is a powerful and majestic treasure.
For those who have adventured below the surface, you know there is an entire ecosystem of fish, crustaceans, and creatures that call this big ocean home.
Contrary to its beauty, the power of the ocean is fierce. If you’ve ever been caught in a rip current or caught views of the ocean during a Nor’easter, you also know that this power is indescribable and the ocean demands respect from all who choose to engage with it.
Despite all safety efforts and the amazing lifeguards that watch over our shores, tragically, we lose someone to the water every summer. This almost always occurs when a person is not swimming on a guarded beach or enters the ocean before or after lifeguard hours. As another summer approaches, we want to remind you of the importance of always swimming in front of a lifeguard and watching your children and loved ones closely. Take the time to learn what to do if you are caught in a rip current. Always swim parallel to the shore rather than trying to swim against the current.
There have been recent great white shark pings off our coast, shark sightings, and, most alarmingly, a girl was bitten by a shark in Stone Harbor. While shark bite incidents in New Jersey are extremely rare, it is a reminder that when we enter the ocean, we are entering “their world,” a vast ecosystem that includes a wide array of marine life. Fortunately for us, the odds are that the greatest risk to ocean-goers at the Jersey Shore is nothing more than a crab pinch. For more information, read the feature on page 31.
The ocean is vast, powerful and valuable beyond measure. It should be treasured, not industrialized to create jobs.
The proposed industrialization of our coastline, and the speed at which it is being pushed upon us, is extremely alarming. The impact on marine species, the ecosystem, and all the industries that rely on and thrive on it, could be catastrophic.
Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action described it best. “I don’t think in the history of mankind have we proposed to industrialize an ecosystem this fast and at this magnitude.”
Bob and I applaud Cape May County’s Resolution 314-23 opposing Orsted wind projects. Read this on pages 8-9. We invite you to voice your opinion on this important issue and we will share it in upcoming issues. Please email shorelocalnews@gmail.com
This edition of Shore Local is packed with local talent, amazing local businesses, noteworthy news, upcoming events, can’t-miss happenings, and so much more. The cover photo is of 12-year-old ballet phenomenon, Lily Sawicki of Mays Landing. Her feature story is on page 10.
For this week’s upcoming events, live music, and dining opportunities, check out Wahoo!, Shore Local’s Entertainment & Dining Guide.
As always, we are deeply thankful for everyone who makes Shore Local possible every week. We hope you enjoy this issue of Shore Local Newsmagazine, and don’t forget to show our advertisers love!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
