fish traps on the nj public reefs

[mudskipper]

Does anyone know the latest legislative status on efforts to keep the commercial fish potters off our artificial reefs?

[Hotrod]

Welcome to the site Mudskipper   Nice to have you aboard.

Good Question.. I'm sure someone here can chime in.

[IrishAyes]

Anthony from NJOA just posted up a topic titled legislative alert on bills coming up.

http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=9060.msg88199;topicseen#msg88199

[Capt -Jerry P]

on going battle, i think all our reefs are in Federal waters except sandy hook reef

which just makes it that much more complicated.

stinks

[njdiver]

Here's the latest news:

S336 Pots Off the Reefs, Passes NJ Senate Again!

On Thursday by a 32 to 4 vote. Here are the Legislators who voted aginst the bill:

Jim Whelan, (D) Dist 2, Northfield, NJ

Loretta Weinberg (D) Dist 37, Teaneck

Shirley Turner (D) Dist 15, Trenton

Joe Kyrillos (R) dist 13, Middletown

[IrishAyes]

Jerry, I hear ya on the complicated issue of our reefs being in federal waters. However, I have heard that in all other states that have similar rules in effect, the feds go along with the state regs regarding pots on the reefs in fed waters as well. Let's hope it holds true in New Jersey's case. 

[njdiver]

Jerry, I hear ya on the complicated issue of our reefs being in federal waters. However, I have heard that in all other states that have similar rules in effect, the feds go along with the state regs regarding pots on the reefs in fed waters as well. Let's hope it holds true in New Jersey's case. 

NY, VA, SC, GA and FL all have regulations prohibiting fixed gear on their reefs in their own territorial waters.  SC, GA and Fl also have “special management zones”, prohibiting fixed gear, designated for their reefs in Federal waters.  NY, NJ and DE will be applying for these same zones once NJ and DE get their regulations for their reefs in territorial waters. 

[njdiver]

Speaker Roberts is once again the focus of attention. He has consistently prevented this bill from being heard in both the Assembly and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. He needs to hear from us!

Assemblyman Joseph J. Roberts Jr.
Brooklawn Shopping Plaza
Rt. 130 South & Browning Rd.
Brooklawn, NJ 08030

PHONE NUMBER: (856) 742-7600

Fax: (856) 742-1831

Email: AsmRoberts@njleg.org