The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation is proud to announce that Senate Bill 221, which would prohibit the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs, is scheduled to be heard by the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee on Monday, February 1.
This bill has been a prioritized by the NJOACF council for the past 2 years with active support and participation by council members; Reef Rescue, JCAA, HRFA, NJ Beach Buggy Assoc., Greater Pt Pleasant Charter Boat Assoc., Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, NJ Council of Diving Clubs, Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club, and all NJOACF council members including hunting and forestry organizations.
Reef Rescue and NJOACF held a rally to bring attention to the bill last year, which elevated the issue to the attention of legislators - commercial gear must be removed from the reefs. In fact, a letter sent to U.S. Fish and Wildlife service by Reef Rescue and NJOACF, which informed them of the obstructions caused by commercial gear, ultimately resulted in a statement of support by NJ DEP and NJ DFW for removal of commercial gear in order to remain in compliance with Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish (Wallop-Breaux) Restoration Funds.
NJOACF council members will continue to be at the forefront of the fight for legislation that will advance our freedoms to fish, hunt and practice all forms of conservation and outdoor recreation.
The public is welcome to attend. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in Committee Room 10, 3rd Floor, State House Annex in Trenton, NJ. Directions can be found at
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/directions.asp.
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Anthony P. Mauro, Sr
Chair
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects
"We've got your back!" ________________________________________________
JOIN NJOA:
http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html __________________
