[Capt Sal]

Disturbing the bottom in any way,shape or form takes years to recoop. When Raritan Bay was reopened to clammers the bottom was destroyed. Areas that were full of life became void of fish. Mud flats as well as sandy bottom that held coral and natural bottom dwellers do not produce anymore. This destruction was all done by hand raking. Imagine what power dredging does? The Dredge" Sand Master" out of South Amboy has destroyed many areas along Ambrose channel. I can not count how many striper honey holes they ruined. Small wrecks and high spots that we had marked on our plotters are simply gone forever! Destroy more habitat and then turn down RR cars that could be a productive reef! They say we are leaders in America? Total revamp of the whole thing starting with Fisheries Management and adding the Army Corp of Engineers.