NJ Audobon Society receives Governor’s excellence award

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — New Jersey Audubon is honored to receive the 2009 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for its efforts to save New Jersey’s shorebird populations.
 
These efforts reached a milestone in 2005 when New Jersey imposed a two-year moratorium on horseshoe crab harvesting, in order to conserve the precious energy resources that numerous bird species find in the superabundance of horseshoe crab eggs.  Another milestone was reached in 2008 when Governor Corzine signed legislation to extend that moratorium until the red knots reach self-sustaining numbers.

“New Jersey Audubon has been working to protect and restore the Delaware Bay shorebird stopover areas for over two decades,” said President Thomas J. Gilmore. “With tremendous efforts in the past several years across our entire organization, other organizations, and the State Legislature and Administration, we were able to achieve landmark legislation that will give our shorebird populations a fighting chance for survival,” he added.

Before the overharvest of horseshoe crabs, over one million shorebirds graced the Delaware Bay during their spring migrations.  In the 1990’s the crabs were taken in the millions as bait for eel and conch, leaving the shorebirds that rely on horseshoe crab eggs with less to eat.    Several shorebird species, including the Red Knot, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstones, and Sanderlings were particularly hard hit.  The Short-Billed Dowitcher and Dunlin were also impacted. Red Knot numbers declined by more than 75% since 2000, putting it on the brink of extinction, and numbers of the other five species declined by 64%.  

“New Jersey Audubon’s work to protect shorebirds has extended from our Research Department’s efforts to quantify the population impact, to our Conservation Department’s work in the field and with partners, to our Government Relations unit,” said Eric Stiles, Vice President for Conservation and Stewardship. “We also want to thank our members, many of whom are personally involved and making their voices heard across the state.”

Efforts continue to stem the declines in our shorebird populations.  Horseshoe Crabs are a slow-maturing species, making a rapid rebound in egg production highly unlikely.  “Through 2008, Red Knot weight gain rates during their New Jersey stop-over remained low,” said David Mizrahi, Vice President for Research and Monitoring. “Shorebird numbers in Delaware Bay are well below average for all four primary species as are Red Knot numbers in Argentina and Chile, their wintering grounds. Evidence suggests that numbers of Red Knot wintering in Florida and the northern coast of Brazil, also declined.  We need the regulations in order to increase the potential for a positive effect on Delaware Bay shorebirds.”

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards program was established ten years ago by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to recognize outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects in the state. The DEP coordinates the program, and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities are co-sponsors. The award was presented on the evening of December 3rd at Drumthwacket, the Governor’s official residence.

Success in establishing a moratorium on horseshoe crab harvesting could not have occurred without the deeply committed support of many New Jersey State Legislators.  Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee chairman John F. McKeon (District 27, Essex County) was a prime sponsor of the legislation in the Assembly. “I applaud Governor Corzine for recognizing the outstanding efforts of New Jersey Audubon in protecting the endangered red knot and other shore birds that were perched on the edge of extinction,” he said. “There has never been a more important time to have environmental advocates protect our fragile ecosystem. I look forward to New Jersey Audubon’s future success in fulfilling our goals to preserve our valuable natural resources.”
Senator Robert M. Gordon (District 38, Bergen County), a prime sponsor of the legislation in the Senate, said, “I congratulate New Jersey Audubon for winning the 2009 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for their work in protecting our state’s shorebirds.  Preserving New Jersey’s natural heritage is something that the people of our state expect and deserve, and I am looking forward to working with the exceptional New Jersey Audubon staff to make further progress in these efforts.”

“This award is well deserved and a testament to New Jersey Audubon’s staff, membership and stellar reputation as the leading conservation organization affecting change in our state today,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Executive Director of Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, which has played an integral role in protecting New Jersey’s shorebirds.

Through continuing efforts by New Jersey Audubon, its members, and many partners, New Jersey’s shorebird populations have a significantly greater opportunity to recover.  Recovery will help preserve our natural heritage, as well as the $3.9 billion wildlife-related recreation industry in New Jersey. This figure includes over $500 million spent annually on away-from-home trips specifically to view New Jersey’s wildlife, according to a 2006 report by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Additional information about the New Jersey Audubon’s efforts to save shorebirds, as well as other species and habitats in New Jersey, can be found on its website: www.njaudubon.org.