Pallone Lauds NOAA and DEP for Developing Plan to Evacuate Dolphins From Monmouth Rivers

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced their joint plans regarding the dolphins in the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers.

The action comes after a second dolphin was found dead along the Navesink River earlier this week. Yesterday, the New Jersey congressman made calls to NOAA and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center to push for an evacuation plan. Pallone has also sent the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) two letters in recent months asking that it develop a plan for the safe evacuation of the dolphins.

"I commend NOAA, the DEP and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for creating an evacuation plan to protect the dolphins. The plan will be implemented immediately when they determine the conditions are becoming dangerous for the dolphins. It should ensure that the dolphins are moved to safety before the water is too cold and the menhaden stocks, upon which they feed, are depleted."

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