For our March meeting, we returned to our popular “State of the Fisheries” legislative panel format.
Randy Roash did a great job of organizing the meeting, and it was well-attended by both panel invitees and SFEC members.
Jim Donofrio, Recreational Fishing Alliance Executive Director, led the discussion.
A nice crowd was in attendance.
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Captain Adam Nowalski, of the NJ Chapter of the RFA, gave an excellent summary of the issues facing fishermen.
He addressed the artificial reefs issue, which seems to be approaching resolution.
He spoke of the summer flounder season and regionalization. The catch has been specified as an 18″ minimum, a 5 fish bag limit and a 128 day season, but the dates of the season are still to be determined.
Adam also discussed the process problems that continue with counting the recreational catch.
He also complimented Senator Van Drew on saving Drag Island for fishing and for helping on a number of other RFA issues.
Jim Hutchison, RFA Managing Director, discussed how NOAA is still not using the angler registry to collect data and still surveying out of the telephone directory, so they have no idea how many fish are being caught.
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Congressman Frank LoBiondo voiced his support for fishing issues.
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State Senator Jeff Van Drew spoke of the tough battle to get the free angler registry approved and the disappointment that it’s not being used.
He also described the compromise on artificial reefs, and it looks like that issue will finally be moving forward.
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State Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi thanked us for the invitation and indicated that as a new member of the Assembly, he was here mostly to listen and learn.
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State Assemblyman Bob Andrezjczak told us he has been named Chairman of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, which deals with all fishing issues in the Assembly.
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Upper Township Mayor Rich Palombo discussed our next beach replenishment project (100% federal funding – starting this Fall – although the sequence of work has not been determined).
He also discussed upgrades to our boat ramp. The funding has been secured and they are working on permits. Probably will complete in time for the 2015 fishing season.
They are also trying to get grants to solve the flooding problems on Bayview Drive – hoping for work in 2015.
They are aware of the erosion problems in the State Park and have money set aside in case it becomes an emergency. They are hoping to make it to the replenishment project without needing to spend interim money.
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Randy presented the RFA with a donation on behalf of the SFEC.
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Then a magnificent spread of “seasonal” dishes was presented.
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Our three cooks take a bow for the great dinner – Ed and Louise Andress and Bud Lyon!
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Everyone very much enjoyed the meeting and the food!
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