At the March 13 Meeting, the SFEC held its annual Legislative Forum on fishing issues at the Firehouse. There was a great turnout despite the flood tides that day.
Shown below are the various participants in the forum.
Congressman Frank LoBiondo
State Senator Jeff Van Drew
Assemblyman Nelson Albano, Assemblyman Matt Milam
Captain Adam Nowalsky, Chairman of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) of New Jersey
Captain Tony Bogan, Member of Executive Committee of the Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund (SSFFF)
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Prior to the meeting, a survey of the SFEC membership was conducted as follows:
In order to comply with the National Saltwater Angler Registry at the State level by 1-1-2011, which funding option do you support for New Jersey? The results (40 participants) were as follows:
1. NJ sponsored fishing registry with free or minimal administrative charge: 21 votes (52.5%)
2. NJ fishing license, angler-purchased, with all funds allocated to a NJ angler fund or use by NJ Marine Fisheries: 13 votes* (32.5%)
3. NJ angler registry alternative funding options, such as license plates, fish stamps, user permits, and/or a lottery: 7 votes* (17.5%)
*One person voted for both 2 and 3, above.
Is the ethical management and allocation of potential license fees and funds in NJ of concern to you?
YES: 37 votes (92.5%) NO: 3 votes (7.5%)
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The forum was covered by the Gazette in the article seen here.