All saltwater boaters are now invited to go online and map their boating routes this summer to help researchers better understand boating activity in the Northeast. The information gathered from this open online mapping program will supplement the data being collected through the more rigorous 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey, which is a monthly online survey that thousands of randomly selected boaters from New York to Maine were invited to participate in earlier this year.
Information from both efforts will document the importance of recreational boating to the Northeast and will ensure boating activity receives appropriate consideration in ocean planning. New Jersey boaters may access the open online mapping tool at http://recreation. seaplan.org/to-participate. Participants can report on as many boating trips as they like, and are encouraged to provide optional information about fishing, swimming and other boating activities. The 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey is being conducted with the support of Marine Trades Associations, Boating and Yacht Clubs Association, Sailors for the Sea, and others. SeaPlan, an independent nonprofit organization, is leading the study team, which includes the University of Massachusetts, Ecotrust, and the Northeast Regional Ocean Council. Learn more at www.neboatersurvey.org