Why the CMRC.org?

Our founders and staff extend their appreciation to the countless CMRC supporters and volunteers who have helped bring CMRC many successes in the last several years.

The New York – New Jersey Harbor Estuary and Bight face numerous challenges in the coming years, decades, and centuries.  Looming on the horizon are:

• large increases in coastal populations
• the need to upgrade critical environmental infrastructure
• climate change and sea level risks
• declining and faltering ocean fish populations
• the need to coordinate ocean and coastal policy
• the need to adequately fund research and the governments, institutions, and nonprofits that provide invaluable services to protect ecological integrity in our region.

How can one small nonprofit address so many critical challenges?   By starting out small with idealism, energy, and a systems perspective of the challenges.

The CMRC is poised to continue the outstanding and selfless work of its founder and former executive director, Joel Banslaben, by bringing untraditional allies into the environmental conversation and promoting activities that protect our estuarine resources.  

There’s much more to come.  We welcome your input, your support, and your energy.

See you in the water!

From Joel Banslaben, Founder, the CMRC

For the past century our coastlines have been degraded at an unacceptable rate. Thousands upon thousands of acres of critical wetlands have been lost and numerous aquatic species have been pushed to the brink of extinction. Recent findings of both the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Ocean Commission indicated that our coasts are in danger of being irreversibly damaged with dire economic consequences for the communities that depend on them.

But all hope is not lost. Coastal ecosystems and species have proven to be exceptionally resilient to human degradation. With increasing coastal protection and restoration these habitats have shown signs of life again. A diverse range of aquatic species are on the verge of recovery in the Harbor Bight. Coastally-based recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and surfing are becoming viable due to improved water quality.

Unfortunately, our coasts and oceans aren’t entirely out of the dark. Improved environmental quality has led people to return to the coast at an alarming rate – thirty million more residents will move to the coasts in the next fifteen years. Now, more than ever, we need to work together to find solutions that benefit everyone affected by our coastlines. The CMRC will continue to work side-by-side with decision-makers, scientists, businesses, and citizens to ensure that we establish policies that are equitable for both environmental conservation and sustainable economic development in our region.

We need your support. Please join the CMRC in conserving our coasts now!