Ocean City Mayor: Seagull Feeding Ban To Be Strictly Enforced

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- Are you heading to the Jersey Shore over the weekend? If so, you have been warned.

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian released a statement on Friday to reinforce the consequences associated with feeding the seagulls at the beach.

"I want to remind you all that it is against the law to feed gulls and wildlife in Ocean City," Gillian said. He noted that beginning Friday, the law would now be "strictly enforced."

Anyone caught feeding seagulls, or any wildlife in Ocean City, faces a fine as high as $500 and up to 90 days in prison.

Gillian noted that the Ocean City Police Department has taken a "be nice, be kind," approach with minor offenses on the beach and boardwalk. "They try to issue only warnings. That will change."

The mayor referenced an increasing number of complaints this summer in regards to feeding seagulls. "For the health and safety of both animals and humans, this must stop," Gillian said.

Gillian announced that a boardwalk announcement and education campaign will follow.