From the Editor
I recently had the opportunity to snorkel in a coral reef sanctuary off the Florida Keys. I’m not often rendered speechless, but there are hardly enough words to describe the extraordinary array of beautiful colors and sea life I witnessed that day.
The multicolored display of pastels in huge peaks and oscillating reeds and rods was undeniably breathtaking. The underwater rainforest was filled with countless species of sea life existing in their natural habitat. I watched in awe as a clever-faced moray eel slithered in and out of its cave while blue and red parrotfish swam between anemones.
A five-foot nurse shark settled under the coral mountains while starfish, sponges, and sea slugs dotted the reef. Tiny minnows and sword-like barracuda swerved between jellyfish colonies, floating peacefully in the sunlight. It was a truly magical experience!
Bob and I have always felt a deep connection to the sea and all its wonder. Our shared love of the ocean was one of the things we loved most about each other back in college. That same love led us to start our life together at the Jersey Shore all those years ago. We find the salt water, with all its currents and waves, restorative and healing.
After watching ‘Chasing Coral’ on Netflix, I learned that in the last 30 years alone, half of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared. I can’t imagine a world where this magnificence is not accessible to our children or grandchildren.
Here, along the Jersey Shore, we mourn the seven whales that have washed up on our beaches in recent weeks. These majestic ocean mammals, the sound healers of the sea, must be protected. The lack of answers or solutions is leaving many feeling out of control and scared. The comments and shares on social media have been abundant. Everyone is feeling the sadness and uncertainty with so much left unknown.
Some folks worry that the deaths are connected to the offshore windmills project, and others argue the opposite. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is at the center of the debate, muddling through the facts and necropsy results. We are so fortunate to have this outstanding organization leading the response. They are determined to discover what can be done to prevent more whales from washing up on our shores.
Our oceans make our home special, and in my opinion, are the closest we can get to Heaven on Earth. We need to do everything in our power to protect these majestic creatures and their homes.
This might mean reducing your everyday use of plastic, participating in a beach cleanup, shopping at a thrift store instead of a fast-fashion retailer, or donating to an oceanic non-profit like the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
Like many in our community, we lie awake at night, restless and emotional over the losses of these whales. Our beaches have become a makeshift graveyard for these 12-ton mammals. Death is inevitable, and grief of all kinds comes in waves. While we are here, it is important that we continue to honor those we have lost and do our best to find meaning in life.
These precious whales spent their lives singing a beautiful song, taking care of their families, and making boaters smile as they surfaced for a deep breath. They will be tragically missed.
For more information on the seven whales that have washed up on our beaches, read the feature on pages 6-7. Sea Goddess Healing Arts, in partnership with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, is hosting a free event in tribute to the whales that includes prayer, education, meditation, music, a drum circle, and more. See page 8 for more information about this event.
Our communities are made up of countless remarkably talented and innovative people. Check out the feature on page 18 about John and Jeff Jenkins of Absecon, who invented the heated seats that the NFL players enjoy at every game. Read about the Egg Harbor Township man who is recognized as a world-class fisherman on page 34. Another stand-out in this issue is the inspirational story on page 38 of Stan Adams, a former Absegami Swimmer with special needs who overcame the odds.
Enjoy this edition of Shore Local Newsmagazine, and don’t forget to show some love to our loyal advertisers who help make it all possible.
On a final note…Go Eagles!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
