New Jersey § 13:19-37

§ 13:19-37.

a. The council shall have the following powers, duties, and responsibilities: (1) to request from the commissioner any information concerning ecosystem-based management

as it may deem necessary; (2) to consider any matter relating to the protection, maintenance, and restoration

of coastal and ocean resources; (3) to submit, from time to time, to the commissioner any recommendations which the

council deems necessary that will protect, maintain and restore coastal and ocean

resources; (4) to study ecosystem-based management approaches; (5) to study any policies, plans, and rules and regulations adopted by the department

that impact coastal and ocean resources; (6) to study and investigate coastal and habitat protection; (7) to coordinate and develop plans for a research agenda on ecosystem-based management; (8) to consider data and any other relevant information on the overall health of New

Jersey's coastal and ocean resources in order to document how the State is meeting

the goal of protecting, maintaining and restoring healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems;

and (9) to hold public hearings at least once a year to take testimony from the public

concerning ecosystem-based management approaches. b. The council shall present a report of its activities, findings, and recommendations

to the commissioner within one year after its organizational meeting, and biennially

thereafter. Copies of the report shall also be submitted to the Governor and, pursuant to section

2 of P.L.1991, c. 164 ( C.52:14-19.1 ), to the Legislature.