The quota is arbitrary or at least arrived at arbitrarily so over quota is, well,
pretty arbitrary
That quota has no basis in either history or sound science, just "best available science." It should not be compared to "last year" or last week; it's comparing apples to rattlesnakes.
The only signifigant conclusion you can draw is it's all mucked up.
To fix things, raise the dragger's minimum size to something more equitable with the rec size. Call it part of the stimulus package. Everyone needs new nets. Netmakers happy. You want flounder at Doris n Ed's or ShopRite yeah you'll pay more-- too bad. See how much it costs if you catch it yourself. You're getting a bargain there shoppers.
Also give some back to the recreational schlub who's pouring his discretionary cash into fishing related businesses. Lower the recreational size a tad ferkrisakes only 1 in 10 keepers is bullsh!t. Talk about incidental bycatch loss... Other than Bobber and The Monger and their crews I'd be hard pressed to find many NJ fluke limits this year. Not hard to find many just shorts. The fish are there.
Perhaps this can be discussed at the town halls; I know I would vote for it. At least try it. Throw the netmakers a bone.
