CAPE MAY, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / August 19, 2024 / Last weekend, following a mechanical failure on the Middle Thorofare Bridge, the Cape May County Bridge Commission made the decision to close the bridge to vehicular traffic indefinitely, keeping the drawbridge open to allow marine traffic to pass through. Lund's Fisheries is grateful for this quick action from County officials, which preserves an important waterway that is essential for the functioning of the region's marine economy.

By keeping the bridge in the open, upright position, recreational and commercial fishing vessels are able to continue to use the Port of Cape May/Wildwood, which is the largest fishing port in New Jersey and lands several commercially valuable species including squid, scallops, and several finfish species.

"Losing access to the Port through this waterway would have been devastating for Cape May's fishermen and the economy of the whole County," said Wayne Reichle, President of Lund's Fisheries, which is based in Cape May. "The Port would have lost millions of dollars in landings as we would have been forced to divert our vessels elsewhere. We are grateful to the Bridge Commission and all Cape May County officials who made the decision to prioritize keeping the waterway accessible for vessels, ensuring that the Port remains open and active while the bridge undergoes the needed repairs."

Lund's Fisheries vessel going through the Middle Thorofare Bridge

According to NOAA's 2020 Fisheries of the United States report, the Port of Cape May/Wildwood is the 6^th most valuable commercial fishing port in the country and the most valuable port in New Jersey, landing 104 million pounds of seafood worth an estimated $93 million. The Cape May/Wildwood area is also a very popular recreational fishing destination, making the marine economy essential to the economic health of the region.

Lund's Fisheries is proud to call Cape May home. We are a family-owned company that has operated out of the Port of Cape May for over 70 years. It is here in Cape May where we land Marine Stewardship Council-certified sustainable products like Atlantic sea scallops, shortfin and longfin squid, menhaden and scup.

As a result of the County's swift actions this weekend, these fish will continue to land in the port of Cape May.

About Lund's Fisheries Inc.
Lund's Fisheries, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned company and a primary producer of fresh and frozen seafood located in Cape May, N.J. Lund's purchases, produces and distributes nearly 75 million pounds of fresh and frozen fish annually. Its fresh and frozen domestic sales stretch nationwide while its frozen exports extend to markets around the world. Lund's Fisheries is committed to developing and managing systems and practices to fish within sustainable limits and track its products back to the harvest location to ensure they are sourced from fisheries that are well-managed, certified as sustainable or actively working towards implementing more responsible and sustainable harvesting practices.

PRESS CONTACT:
Bob Vanasse
Stove Boat Communications
(202) 333-2628
bob@stoveboat.com

SOURCE: Lund's Fisheries Inc.