February 22, 2011
Belmar, NJ
NJOA (CF) Release
Today, Governor Christie signed the Free Saltwater Registry bill into law setting the stage for New Jersey to be exempt from the $15.00 Federal registration fee. Governor Christie, and DEP Commissioner Martin, took the opportunity to recognize the important contributions to New Jersey's economy by the angling community. They also recognized the efforts of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (CF) council members in making sure the cost of the registry does not adversely impact the state's fisheries management programs.
The press release from the DEP follows:
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lawrence Ragonese (609) 292-2994
Feb. 22, 2011 Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
GOVERNOR CHRISTIE SIGNS BILL TO CREATE FREE SALTWATER FISH REGISTRY
(11/P21) TRENTON - Governor Christie signed a bill into law today that creates a free State saltwater fishing registry in New Jersey, one that will comply with federal requirements and will not financially impact the State's saltwater anglers.
The creation of a State registry will allow New Jersey anglers to avoid a $15 saltwater registration fee imposed by the federal government as of Jan. 1.
"Fishing from our shores has been and should remain free to our residents. Some simple pleasures in life should be not be subject to a new unfunded federal mandate,'' said Governor Christie.
Creation of a free State registry was lauded by the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance which worked closely with the Governor's Office and the DEP on this issue.
"We realize the DEP has profound responsibilities to protect public health, safety and the environment, all with increasingly limited room for budgetary maneuvers,'' said Anthony Mauro, chairman of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance. "So we applaud DEP Commissioner Bob Martin for working to implement this bill in the most efficient means possible within his agency's current budget.''
Saltwater fishing is an important economic engine for New Jersey, providing 38,000 jobs and a $1.2 billion annual boost to the state's economy, noted Commissioner Martin.
"The DEP recognizes the importance of protecting and managing our marine resources for the benefit of the environment, hundreds of thousands of anglers who enjoy this resource, to our multi-billion dollar tourism industry, and the thousands of jobs related to saltwater fishing,'' said Commissioner Martin, who thanked the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance for its efforts.
"We will work to get this new registry on line as soon as possible,'' Commissioner Martin added.
Beginning on Jan. 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration required saltwater anglers in states like New Jersey without a state saltwater fishing registry or saltwater fishing license to pay $15 to register with that agency. The registry requirement is part of an effort to improve the quality of data used in fisheries management, according to NOAA.
#####
Larry Ragonese
NJ DEP
Press Information Director
609-292-2994
larry.ragonese@dep.state.nj.us
Members of NJOA Conservation Foundation.
Saltwater & Freshwater Angling Organizations
Jersey Coast Angler Association
Trout Unlimited
NJ Beach Buggy Association
Hudson River Fishermen's Association
Reef Rescue
Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers
Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club
Cape May Party and Charter Boat Association
Hi-Mar Striper Club
Fish Hawk's Saltwater Anglers Club
Round Valley Trout Association
Hunting & Trapping Organizations
New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
United Bowhunters of NJ
NJ Trappers Association
National Wild Turkey Federation
Quail Unlimited
Ruffed Grouse Society
Forestry Organizations
New Jersey Forestry Association
Society of American Foresters
Animal Welfare Organizations
National Animal Interest Alliance
Diving Organizations
NJ Council of Divers
Conservation, Political, Environmental Stewardship Organizations
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr
Chair
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects
"Preservation through conservation"
JOIN NJOA:
http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html Officers: Ed Markowski, Captain Pete Grimbilas, Jerry Natale, Len Wolgast, PhD., Anthony Mauro
-------------------------------------------
