Hidden Wartime Hazard in the Ocean Raises New Safety Concerns for New Jersey Fishermen
Commercial fishermen along the Jersey Shore are once again facing a dangerous and unexpected threat beneath the ocean surface. While working at sea, crews occasionally bring up more than fish and shellfish in their nets—some have unknowingly pulled up old chemical weapons dumped decades ago, leading to serious injuries and major financial losses.
One such incident happened in October 2023, when a fishing crew harvesting surf clams near Cape May accidentally brought a leaking chemical munition onboard. The exposure caused one fisherman to suffer second-degree burns, while an entire catch of 32 bushels of clams had to be destroyed due to contamination concerns. Health officials later confirmed the nature of the incident in a joint report by federal and state agencies.
This was not an isolated case. Over the past several years, similar encounters have been recorded in New Jersey waters. Between 2016 and 2023, at least three documented incidents involved chemical weapons being pulled from the ocean floor by fishing vessels. In each case, crew members were exposed to dangerous chemical agents consistent with sulfur mustard, commonly known as mustard gas. This substance is a toxic warfare chemical that can severely damage skin, eyes, and the respiratory system even after long periods underwater.
Experts explain that these weapons are remnants of historical military disposal practices. After both World War I and World War II, large quantities of chemical munitions were dumped into the ocean. It is estimated that tens of thousands of tons of such weapons were disposed of off the U.S. coastline during the 20th century. Although ocean dumping was banned in the early 1970s, the legacy of that practice continues to affect modern-day fishing operations.
According to marine and occupational safety specialists, many of these munitions still remain on the seabed, sometimes shifting from their original locations due to strong currents and storms. As a result, fishing nets can unexpectedly bring them up even outside officially marked dumping zones. This makes commercial fishing in the region particularly risky, especially for clamming vessels that drag equipment along the ocean floor.
Medical reports show that exposure to these chemicals can cause immediate or delayed symptoms, including burns, blistering, and respiratory issues. In one earlier case from 2016, a fisherman suffered severe injuries after handling a leaking shell without protective gear. He later required hospital treatment, including specialized burn care and skin grafting.
Beyond health risks, these incidents also have a significant economic impact. Entire shipments of seafood often must be destroyed to ensure public safety, leading to losses worth thousands of dollars in a single event. The fishing industry, which contributes heavily to New Jersey’s economy, has expressed concern over repeated disruptions caused by these hidden hazards.
Authorities emphasize that fishermen should never attempt to handle suspected military objects themselves. Instead, they are advised to immediately contact emergency response agencies for safe removal and assessment. State and federal health departments, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, coordinate response efforts to prevent further harm and ensure contaminated seafood does not enter the market.
Experts also note that while these materials remain dangerous for fishing crews, they are not considered a direct threat to beachgoers due to the depth at which most of these objects are found. However, the unpredictable movement of underwater debris continues to make the situation difficult to fully control.
Marine scientists and public safety officials agree that the issue is a long-term environmental legacy problem, one that continues to surface decades after the original disposal of chemical weapons at sea. Ongoing monitoring and awareness campaigns remain essential to protect both human life and the fishing economy.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
New Jersey Department of Health
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Stockton University Marine Science Department
Garden State Seafood Association Reports
