NJ Saltwater Fisherman | Bunker Wars - Commerical boats frustrating recreational

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Bunker Wars

Written by Chris Gatley \| ESPNOutdoors.com
Monday, 14 June 2010
Commerical boats frustrating recreational anglers by affecting striper fishing By now, saltwater anglers realize the importance of adult menhaden, or bunker, and the symbiotic relationship bunker play within our ecosystem. Bunker are the true lifeline to the entire striped bass population along the east coast. What's more, bunker are filter feeders, and without them only bacteria and jellyfish can eat the plankton floating in the water. The complexity here is that jellyfish also eat fish fry as well as fish eggs. In short, bunkers play a pivotal role in balancing the ecosystem. Right now, the Atlantic Coast, specifically New Jersey, is witnessing a crushing blow to its Atlantic menhaden or bunker fishery with an unprecedented disturbance to the heart of the striped bass migration. For weeks, large purse-seining vessels have situated themselves immediately off our coast while spotter planes and helicopters locate schools. Like clockwork, planes and purse-seine vessels work in harmony as huge nets are continually set throughout the day. Most vessels have been adhering to the state legislation requiring them to remain at least three miles offshore.... Read Full Story Here

Comments

#4 Paulyfish 2010-08-11 09:22

Related NJ bunker story with photos:
http://shore11.org/node/8518

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#3 Ed Hopkins 2010-07-16 11:06

I'd like to think that these guys are staying 3 miles off but they are 'adhering' to a 1/2 mile rule. I have plotted behind them and they toll 1/2mile plus 1 ft off the beach. It's very carefully plotted with GPS. They are also sending boats inside that range to drive the fish out to the nets. Many of these boats are from other staes, like MA where the bunker count this year has been low. So, they come here , unrestricted. Don't know the solution except to find out twhere these fish are sold and cut off thier customer base.

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#2 Earl Anderson 2010-06-15 02:55

Why don't we just start a fund or have a telethon to raise money and buy out the bunker fleet? There has to be laws on the books that we can use to close the loopholes.

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#1 Mark 2010-06-14 22:31

Absolutley pathetic.

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