Fisherman defends Oyster Creek plant operations

For those of you complaining about the "billions" of fish killed in Oyster Creek, you are fishing for reasons to find ways to criticize the plant.

The source of this "billions" number refers to the microscopic fish that are affected by Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. These are mostly microscopic fish food, and whatever Oyster Creek takes in from the creek constitutes a tiny fraction of what's in the bay. In fact, there are microscopic fish food that are in any fresh or salt water source that are affected every day by your boat, your car emissions and your fishing.

The plant's regular operations have a minimal effect on Oyster Creek, otherwise it would not be able to operate. In fact, I think the plant has a beneficial effect on Oyster Creek. Fishermen can fish there off Route 9 all year round. All year round! I can say from firsthand observation that there is no lack of fish in the creek, which tells us there is no lack of microscopic fish food.

So, the next time you decide that you're against the plant because it is killing "billions" of fish, think again about how you affect these "billions" of fish too.

Tom Furey

Toms River