FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Capt. Bill Sheehan or Hugh Carola

Secaucus, NJ – There is a new floating classroom plying the waters of the Hackensack River and the marshes of the Meadowlands. The 27-foot pontoon cruiser “Edward Abbey” was christened this past Monday morning at the boat ramp in Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus, NJ by Hackensack Riverkeeper. Capt. Bill Sheehan, staff and guests all smiled and cheered as Capt. Sheehan’s mentor, Baykeeper Andrew Willner did the honors and poured champagne over the bow of the new boat.

Built by Godfrey Marine of Elkhart, Indiana and named for one of the founding fathers of the modern environmental movement, the “Abbey” takes her place alongside Hackensack Riverkeeper’s other custom-rigged pontoon cruiser, the “Robert H. Boyle”.  The boats allow Hackensack Riverkeeper to maintain an active presence on the River and they provide the principle means by which the environmental organization fulfills its education and outreach mission. “Since 1998 when we christened the “Boyle”, we’ve introduced over nine thousand people to the Meadowlands,” said Capt. Sheehan.

The Captain continued, “Most of those folks have come to appreciate the Meadowlands for the unique ecosystem that it is and to advocate for its protection.”  In addition to education and outreach, the boats are used to investigate pollution incidents, reports of illegal wetlands fill, and other activities throughout the lower Hackensack River watershed. Hackensack Riverkeeper also places its vessels at the disposal of local, county, state and federal authorities (and the media) as a means to gather evidence in such cases. The shallow draft and stability of pontoon boats make them stable observation platforms and an excellent choice for extended trips on the water.

The funding to acquire the “Edward Abbey” came as a result of citizen action brought by NY/NJ Baykeeper against the City of Bayonne for failure to maintain its combined sewer outfall system. Earlier this year when the case was resolved, the judge imposed a $30,000 Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) as part of the City’s penalty. Bayonne’s attorneys then asked if the money could be awarded to Hackensack Riverkeeper and the judge agreed. According to one city official who attended Monday’s ceremony, “It was important to us that the money be an investment in the recovery of our estuary ”. Capt. Sheehan ensures that it will be an investment well-made.

Additional support for the purchase was provided by the manufacturer and from West Marine, Inc., the nationwide purveyor of marine supplies. The “Abbey” is powered by a 115-horsepower Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engine. All equipment aboard the vessel is United States Coast Guard-approved.