The SFEC held a Fisheries & Environmental meeting on Saturday October 19. This meeting, that focus’ on Fisheries and Environmental issues, has become somewhat of annual event for the SFEC. This year’s panel included elected officials as well as New Jersey Fisheries experts. The panel included U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew (D- NJ 2nd), State Senator Bob Andrzejczak (D), Assemblyman Matt Milam (D), Dick Herb – NJ Marine Fisheries Council; and Bill (Bucktail Willie) Shillingford – SFEC.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ 2nd) presented a Congressional Proclamation to the SFEC for Fisheries Management Accomplishments and other Environmental Initiatives and Activities. President Herb Hollinger accepted the honor. We thank the Congressmen for attending our Meeting on 10/19 and recognizing SFEC efforts!
FOLLOWING ARE A FEW BRIEF COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Jeff Van Drew: Remarking about the wind farms, Congressman Van Drew stated that he wouldn’t do this many at first. As far as fishermen being involved in the process, he stated that “they would have a seat at the table.” Van Drew would like working on a smaller level, making sure not to hurt the environment or the fish and then proceeding.
Dick Herb: Mr. Herb also commented on wind farms saying, “more scientific information is needed.”
Bill Shillingford (Bucktail Willie): Bucktail commented that beach replenishment is destroying all life on the beach, noting that “something is needed to hold the sand in place.” Bucktail also discussed throw-backs saying that they “survive when the water is colder, but not in summer.”
Bob Andrzejczak: The State Senator commented that no answers have been given to the question of whether we will be able to fish around turbines, and no answers have been given to address the environmental factors.
Matt Milam: Mr. Milam wants the plan for off-shore windmills tested first, and he also remarked that all questions must be answered.
The Following Fisheries Issues were discussed by the panel:
1. Wind Farms
2. Summer Flounder
3. Striped Bass Regulations
4. Land-Based Fishing
5. On-going Beach Replenishment
6. Lack of Fishing Regulation Enforcement in NJ waters
7. Status of Marine Fisheries Membership
Congressman Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ 2nd) presents a Congressional Proclamation to the SFEC for Fisheries Management Accomplishments and other Environmental Initiatives and Activities. Accepting the Honor is President Herb Hollinger. Also pictured in Randy Roash. We thank the Congressmen for attending our Meeting on 10/19 and recognizing SFEC efforts!