On March 17, the SFEC held its annual “State of the Fisheries” legislative panel.
Here is the panel. Left to right, are Assemblyman Matt Milam, Assemblyman Nelson Albano, State Senator Jeff Van Drew, Captain Adam Nowalsky, Chairman of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) of New Jersey, Executive Director Jim Donofrio of the RFA and President Bud Lyon of the SFEC. Congressman Frank Lobiondo was expected but was unable to attend.
Much of the following narrative was taken from an article by Carl Price published in the Upper Township Sentinel on March 21, 2012.
Assemblyman Albano said he has been working for six years to address the problem of commercial fishing pots on local reefs, which prevent recreational fishermen from fishing those reefs. He believes he has reached agreement with both sides on this issue, and is about to introduce a bill that would keep pots off the artificial reefs and only allow them on half of natural reefs. He will request budget money to enforce the bill.
Adam Nowalski said he hopes to see funding restored to the artificial reef program, and also said he would like to see limits on commercial fishing for menhaden (bunker).
Senator Van Drew said a problem is that funds put aside for fishing issues has been raided by the State for the general fund. “The fishing industry generates billions of dollars and that money is attractive to those who want to fund other issues. We have to stop that”, said the senator.
Jim Donofrio said the current administration in Washington is anti-fishing, and said “the biggest challenge we face is the fight to reform and bring common sense and sound science into the fisheries management process. “Anti-fishing and extreme environmentalists are working every day to get us off the water”.
Assemblyman Milam talked about how much he enjoyed getting out on the water and fishing.
All agreed that higher costs for gasoline will hurt the fishing industry.
Bud Lyon then presented donation checks to the RFA and the SSFFF.
An attentive crowd enjoyed the panel.
Following the discussion, a wonderful meal was served upstairs, compliments of our resident super-chef and leprechaun, Eddie Andress!
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