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***MEDIA ADVISORY — THURSDAY*** Van Drew & Andrzejczak To Hear From Shellfish Harvesters, Experts on NJ Aquaculture Industry

1st Legislative District Economic Development Task Force To Meet in Wildwood

(TRENTON) — Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak tomorrow will convene a meeting of the 1st Legislative District Economic Development Task Force to hear from shellfish harvesters and industry experts on the aquaculture industry in New Jersey. The Task Force will meet in Wildwood and focus on ways to streamline state rules and regulations to allow the industry to grow.

The Task Force will meet TOMORROW, August 27, 2015, at 1:30 PM at the Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260.

“We have great potential to grow the aquaculture industry in New Jersey, but we have to make sure the conditions for harvesters allow them to meet their business potential,” said Senator Van Drew, chair of the task force. “There is no better way for us to address the industry needs than to hear from those who work in it every day.”

“By strengthening this industry, we have the ability to create new jobs and allow for the development of additional small businesses in the region and the state. But just as with any industry, we have to ensure the right environment for aquaculture to continue to grow,” said Assemblyman Andrzejczak, who serves as the panel’s vice-chair. “The task force will hear directly from business owners and industry experts to determine what changes we can make at the state level to ensure the success of this important industry.”

The panel will hear from the following invited guests:

  • Michael De Luca, Senior Associate Director, Rutgers Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences;
  • David Bushek, Director and Associate Professor, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory;
  • Elizabeth “Betsy” Haskin, Owner, Betsy’s Cape Shore Salts; and
  • Brian Harmon, Aquaculture/Husbandry Manager, Atlantic Capes Fisheries