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THE EXPLORATION OF A FISH EXCHANGE TO REDUCE HUMAN CONSUMPTION OF CONTAMINANTS IN NEWARK, NJ

Natural Resources/Aquaculture

Amy Rowe
Environmental and Resource Management Agent
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Roseland

Abstract

Across the country, there are many impaired waterways that are deemed “unfishable.” Fishing bans are enacted in those rivers and streams, but fishermen often ignore the signage describing the contamination of the waterbody. The concept of a fish exchange, where a clean fish is provided after the turning in of a contaminated one, has been explored in many watersheds, most notably San Francisco Bay and the Lower Duwamish in Washington State. Despite these explorations, as of this writing there have been no fish exchange trials in the United States. Here, the viability of a fish exchange program in the Lower Passaic River in Newark, NJ, was examined. Previously collected data was reviewed, interviews of current fishermen were conducted, and a trial aquaponics system was implemented for fish production based on the need and community acceptance of swapping a contaminated fish for a healthy one. The greenhouse system and fish farm were maintained by unemployed U.S. veterans participating in an extension-based job skills training program for eventual workforce re-entry. The training program included sustainable landscaping, stormwater management, aquaponics, and small business management topics. The veterans not only managed the aquaponics system, but also provided the education and outreach needed to implement the fish exchange in the Newark community. The lessons learned during the preparation and running of this program could lead to improved fish exchange implementation in impaired watersheds across the country. Authors: Zientek, J., Rowe, A. A., Flimlin, G.
  1. Zientek, J. Senior Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 07068
  2. Rowe, A. A. Environmental And Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 07068
  3. Flimlin, G. Marine Extension Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08755