TOP FISHING NEWS: NJ Legislator Calls for Hearings After Funding Lost for Artificial Reef Programs
by Brandon
Published on 04-21-2011 02:41 PM
Many coastal states have made a increased effort over the years to increase the number of artificial reels to replace lost fish habitat and enhance existing habitat. New Jersey was recently notified by the federal government is that it will be terminating funding for New Jersey’s artificial reef program because the state has failed to comply with fishing regulations near the reefs, Assembly woman Alison Littell McHose called for an immediate hearing on bipartisan legislation she has sponsored that would bring New Jersey into compliance with the federal rules.
“Not only will the loss of this funding hurt our state’s tourism industry and businesses such as tackle shops and charter and party boats, but it’s unfair to the 800,000 recreational anglers and divers who will suffer because state lawmakers failed to take appropriate action to protect the reefs and much needed federal dollars for the program'” explained McHose, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon.
“For years, various outdoor organizations have appealed to legislators to bring New Jersey into compliance with the federal Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFR),” she continued. “Unfortunately, those pleas have fallen on deaf ears. As a result, our recreational fishermen, who paid to have these reefs constructed, are the ones who will have to endure the consequences.”
McHose is a co-sponsor of A-1152 which would limit commercial fishing on New Jersey’s artificial reefs that are located in federal waters. Specifically, the measure would prohibit any person from using, leaving unattended, setting or deploying fishing gear, other than rod-and-reel, hand line spear or recreational gig, within 100 feet of artificial reefs created under the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s artificial reef program.
According to SFR regulations, the artificial reefs are meant for hook and line, and spear fishing only. Commercial fishermen however, have been using fixed gear on the reefs in violation of federal rules. Since the state has failed to rectify the situation, it is in violation of SFR rules which has resulted in the loss of federal funding.
Five states along the Atlantic coastline have brought their reef programs into compliance with federal regulations including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and New York. Delaware is in the process.
McHose said Assembly Democrat leaders should post the bill for an immediate hearing and move it quickly through the legislative process to minimize the effects of the funding loss. The Senate last month approved an identical bipartisan measure, S-221.
(pictured are the locations of New Jersey’s current reef locations)
Here’s to hoping New Jersey pulls things together to continue to allow the great fishing and habitat that the reefs provide.
Brandon, Chief Angler, TidalFish.com
All Fishing, All the Time!
