Anglers fear sand-mining could damage fish habitats

SHIP BOTTOM (AP) — Fishermen along the Jersey shore are worried that a sand-mining operation could ruin a fish habitat.

The Press of Atlantic City reports the Jersey Coast Anglers Association is threatening a lawsuit as it tries to get a dredging operation moved away from an area known as the Manasquan Ridge. Fishermen say it's a prime fishing area.

Environmental groups say the project is sacrificing the health of fish habitats for housing developments.

A spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection defended the beach replenishment project and says you have to make trade-offs when it comes to protecting lives and "billions of dollars" in real estate.

The first operation is set start off Long Beach Island. As much as 7 million cubic yards of sand will be mined.

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