From the APP today
http://www.app.com/viewart/20121107/NJNEWS/311070023/Managers-responding-fishermen-s-need-aid?odyssey=mod|defcon|text|Frontpage
10 a.m. Managers responding to fishermen's need for disaster aid October and November are peak months of the fall striped bass run for recreational fishermen, but no one is fishing. Boats are sitting at the docks and tackle shops remain closed.
However, efforts are being made to get fishermen back to fishing after Hurricane Sandy delievered a heavy blow to the industry. Christopher Zeman, the
New Jersey representative to the Mid-Atlantic Marine Fishery Council, one of eight regional fishery management bodys that report to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Adminstration, has requested that Governor Chris Christie petition the Secretary of Commerce for immediate fishery disaster relief to restore New Jersey's recreational fishery.
He has also contacted Jane Lubchenco, the administrator for the NOAA.
"Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey's recreational fishery from Raritan Bay and Atlantic Highlands to Galloway and Atlantic City. New Jersey's surfcasters, charter boats and party boats are not fishing due Hurricane Sandy's widespread destruction of the fundamental shoreside infrastructure that recreational fishermen rely on. Piers, marinas, beach access trails, boat ramps, boats, tackle shops, and docks are seriously damaged or just completely gone. Rather than fishing, fishermen are removing debris from bays and hauling boats from far inland," Zeman said.
NOAA has responded.
"Since my urgent message to NOAA administration leaders this past Sunday night, the response was immediate and positive," Zeman said, adding that NOAA's Regional Administrator, has informed him that they are coordinating with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and Gov. Christie to coordinate a visit to New Jersey.
Zeman is hoping that a visit can occur next week.
