Action Alert Sign-Up

Island Beach State Park after Sandy

 

Rule Proposals Rescinded
 
New Jersey Beach Buggy's Paul Harris and Paul Novello, along with NJOA, NJ Federation of Sportsman and JCAA were in attendance at a meeting held this week with Commissioner Martin, Deputy Commissioner Boornazian of the NJ DEP and Mark Texel Director of NJ State Parks Department. The topic was to discuss the new state park rules pertaining to mobile sport fishing on Island Beach State Park, Brigantine and Corson's Inlet. The commissioners where aware of some comments that we brought forward thanks to over 300 letters and emails that they received from members and others that took the time to express their concerns about the rule changes. NJBBA looks forward to be working with the DEP's park systems to help rewrite new rules pertaining to mobile sport fishing. At this time they have already started to rewrite the new rules. I would like to thank all those that took the time from their daily lives to respond to the DEP.  
 
Paul Harris - President
We Can Make a Difference
Get Involved!     Stay Involved! 

 

NJOA LogoNew Jersey Outdoor Alliance

PO Box 655

Belmar, NJ 07719

"Preservation through conservation"

JOIN NJOA: 

http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

Officers: Ed Markowski, Captain Pete Grimbilas, Jerry Natale, Len Wolgast, PhD., Anthony Mauro 

NJOA: DEP Boating & Fishing Advisory Info

DEP Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2013

Contact: Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Ragonese (609) 292-2994
Bob Considine (609) 984-1795


CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION GEARS UP FOR BUSY RECREATIONAL FISHING AND BOATING SEASON ALONG THE JERSEY SHORE; LAST OF RECREATIONAL USE ADVISORIES LIFTED FOR RARITAN BAY

(13/P34) TRENTON -- With recreational fishing and boating season getting into gear, the Christie Administration today released a "Jersey Shore Open for Boating" fact sheet and flier to educate the public on having a safe time on the water.

"Governor Christie and I are committed to ensuring that our coastal communities are open for tourism and recreation this season after all our state has been through because of Superstorm Sandy," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin.

"We have come a long way. Marinas and charter fishing operations are gearing up for the season , and water quality is excellent," Commissioner Martin said. "We want everyone to know that New Jersey's waterways are open for your enjoyment. We just ask you to use common sense and caution as cleanup continues."

"The waterways in some areas may be very different than before Superstorm Sandy, and boaters need to be aware of obstacles and adjust their speed accordingly for safety," said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "Everyone is reminded to be mindful of their surroundings and always follow commonsense measures, such as wearing personal flotation devices."

"The companies cleaning up the coast are doing a great job. The Governor is on top of it," said Fred Brueggemann, incoming president of the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey. "We know that Barnegat Bay has been a priority of his since he took office long before the storm. We look forward to working with the DEP and DOT to ensure a wonderful boating season."

The DEP continues to monitor water quality along the entire coastline, with all test results meeting recreational use standards. The DEP recently lifted the recreational fishing and boating advisory in place for Raritan Bay since Superstorm Sandy hit at the end of October. As a result, all recreational use advisories have now been lifted across the state.

The DEP will continue to work with the New Jersey Department of Health as well as county and local health agencies to ensure protection of water quality and the safety of the public now and into the summer season. Recreational bathing beaches will be thoroughly monitored, with any closings posted on the DEP's website at www.njbeaches.org

State contractors under the direction of the DEP have been focusing on removing debris from bays, channels, rivers, inlets and other coastal waters since the beginning of March, removing pieces of structures, docks, bulkheads, boats, and cars. Priority is being given to areas that pose a threat to public safety and the environment or impede navigation.

The DEP is working with the NJ Department of Transportation, the Marine Services Bureau of the State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and municipalities to assess boating safety as cleanup progresses.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation has been doing sonar surveys and marking areas where debris is to be removed from state navigation channels. The Army Corps of Engineers has also been working on clearing the Intracoastal Waterway of debris.

"Our focus during waterway debris removal remains on public safety," Commissioner Martin said. "While this work is ongoing, it is imperative that boaters be particularly attentive while out on the water."

Boaters should travel at slower speeds, always wear personal flotation devices and stay tuned to Channel 16 for public safety alerts. They are advised that some navigation channels may have shifted or become shoaled. Anyone observing floating or submerged debris should report this to the DEP at 1-877-WARNDEP.

To view the flier and fact sheet visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/docs/waterways-open-boater-flyer.pdf and http://www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/docs/faq-boaters.pdf.

For more information on the waterway debris removal effort, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/wwdebris.htm . Follow on Twitter: @NJBeachReport.

NJOA: More coverage of DEP Reef Proposal


NJOA

3/1/13

Media coverage of the effort to resovle gear confilcts on reefs.


NOTE: The letter from DEP Commissioner, Bob Martin, to NJOA Chairman, Anthony Mauro, with a proposal to resolve fixed gear conflicts on the artifical reefs can be found at the link that follows: 
John Oswald of The Asbury Park Press covered the developing story in his article:
"Solution to gear conflict inches forward" (link follows)
   While the effort to remove commercial gear from New Jersey's artificial reefs has been moving at a glacial pace, at best, there are indications from the New Jersey DEP and Gov. Christies' office that momentum is picking up. What the solution will look like and when it will be implemented are questions that won't be answered anytime soon, but DEP Commissioner Bob Martin has indicated to a number of outdoor groups that he's anxious to get the situation resolved.
   One key reason to get the problem rectified is that New Jersey has been denied federal funds for its artificial reef program since money for the reefs comes from the U.S Sport Fish Restoration Fund, which can only be used for recreational fishing. New Jersey was cut off from these funds nearly two years ago. Reef funding also comes from an excise tax imposed on the sale of recreational fishing tackle.
   Legislation aimed at outlawing commercial gear on the reefs has passed in the New Jersey State Senate on several occasions only to be stymied in the Assembly. Peter Grimbilas, chairman of the Reef Rescue Fund, who has been fighting this battle in the legislature for the past six years, said the issue has really gained some traction in past three months or so.
   The recent movement can be attributed to one simple word: compromise.
   Because the reefs were funded and built for recreational use, a number of outdoor groups were solidly against the idea that any portions of the artificial reefs should be used for commercial fishing. Commercial interests argued that because sections of the reef were built on naturally occurring structure and these were historic fishing grounds in use for years, commercial fishermen should have access to them. A stalemate ensued.
   During a conversation with Grimbilas in December, Commissioner Martin told him that nothing will be accomplished unless there is compromise. He asked Grimbilas and other members of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation to come up with a list of conditions that would appease most of the members.
   "We canvassed the members of the NJOA and asked them what will make you accept a compromise," said Grimbilas.
   On that list were a number of stipulations, chief among them were that any regulation would satisfy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements for the restoration of federal funds and that the state would petition the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council for SMZ designation for all of New Jersey's offshore reefs.
   In addition, if commercial gear were to be allowed on a small segment (16 percent) of the state's two inshore reefs, the state would build a new reef equal to or greater in area that will be designated exclusively for recreational use.
   In a letter dated Feb. 7 to Anthony Mauro, chairman of the NJOA, Commissioner Martin wrote "that as part of a proposed compromise between recreational and commercial fishing communities, the DEP will commit to establish commercial zones within each of the two in-state reefs, create a new state reef and petition the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) for Special Management Zone (SMZ) regulations for the existing 13 reefs in federal waters that essentially prohibit the use of pot gear."
   "The 23 council members of the NJOA (CF), which include some of the largest salt water fishing organizations in New Jersey, are excited by the proposals because it would both eliminate gear conflicts --- and equitably represents the interests of the recreational angler," said Mauro
   "This is a major movement by the DEP," said Grimbilas. "It's important to note that this is only a proposal at this time, and the NJOA (CF) is currently reviewing it. The NJOA (CF) has not announced any agreement, nor has the Christie Administration to our knowledge."
   The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) also reported movement on the effort to remove commercial gear from New Jersey's reefs while preserving the commercial sector's access to those reefs.
   "Anglers and angler groups have been fighting hard for over six years to address the access issues at New Jersey's artificial reef complex and I think we're finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel," said Jim Donofrio, executive director of the RFA. .
   Donofrio said the Governor's office appears to be in agreement with a 2012 legislative appeal by Assemblyman Nelson Albano, chairman of the New Jersey Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, which would prohibit commercial fixed gear from over 95 percent of New Jersey's two inshore artificial reef areas.
   Chairman Albano's legislation would also prohibit all fixed gear from the state reef system during the prime recreational fishing period from May 15 to Oct. 1, while simultaneously directing the NJDEP to initiate a pot management plan for state officials to account and monitor the actual number of fish pots presently deployed --- and by whom --- in New Jersey coastal waters.
   "Whatever come out of the governor's office we'll embrace.," said Jim Hutchinson, executive director of the RFA.
   "We support the effort by the Governor's office, providing that it allows the potting to continue only on the traditional areas that have minimally deployed materials as expressed by Chairman Albano in his legislation," said Capt. Adam Nowalsky, chairman of the RFA-NJ chapter.
   Whatever solution is adopted, don't expect it to come too quickly. It will probably be another two years before this situation is resolved. But at least now there is some activity.

NJOA: Thank you New Jersey anglers!

 

The Economics of Sportfishing: ASA Releases Report


Southwick Associates was also recently busy working with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) to highlight another financial pillar of conservation, fishing, as described in the report, "Sportfishing in America: An Economic Force for Conservation." With the USFWS reporting that 33 million Americans age 16 or older went fishing in 2011, and ASA estimating there are potentially as many as 60 million Americans of all ages who consider themselves anglers in the country, fishing at least once every five years, the sportfishing community is undoubtedly vital to the economy and conservation.


In fact, it is estimated that anglers spend approximately $48 billion annually on equipment, licenses, trips, and other fishing-related items or events with an economic multiplier effect of $115 billion impacting our nation's economy. Each angler spends roughly $1,441 per year supporting 828,000 jobs that account for as much as $35 billion in salaries and wages. Plus, through excise taxes on fishing tackle, fishing licenses and personal donations, anglers contributed nearly $1.5 billion in dedicated funding to fisheries conservation in 2011. And these numbers promise to grow with the population of anglers growing 11 percent between 2006 and 2011.

 

# New Jersey Resident Anglers: 766,085

Retail sales: $1,146,551,669
Multiplier: $1,866,013,788
Salaries & Wages: $583,147,807
Jobs: 15,386
Federal Tax Revenues: $158,769,630
State Tax Revenues: $137,228,333
 

Top 10 States: Non-Resident Fishing Destinations
Ranked by Number of Visiting Anglers

# 9: New Jersey

# Non-resident anglers 256,950

Total non-resident expenditures $106,323,764

More Fishing Quick Facts
More Americans fish than play golf (21 million) and tennis (13 million) combined.
   If fishing were a company, the amount spent by anglers to support fishing-related retail sales would rank number 51 on the Fortune 500 list.
   Fishing generated more revenue ($48 billion) than Lockheed Martin ($47 billion), Intel ($44 billion), Chrysler ($42 billion) or Google ($38 billion).
   The economic activity generated by sportfishing is greater than the economies, measured in Gross State Product, of 17 states.

 

Jersey Coast Anglers Association

About Jersey Coast Anglers Association
  
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1981. The original objective of the JCAA was to combine a loosely fragmented group of marine sportfishing clubs in order to form and promote a united consensus on issues relevant to saltwater anglers in New Jersey. Over teh years, the mission of the JCAA has remained unchanged, but now has the added goal of joining forces with organizations having similar objectives in states along the East Coast and national organizations. While the JCAA is relatively young, it has emerged as the most effective organization of its kind on the East Coast. For more information, or for information about becoming a member of the JCAA, please call (732) 506-6565 or visit www.JCAA.org.

********************

 

Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) 

**RFA NEWS ALERT**

For Immediate Release

    

RFA BASS RIVER TOURNAMENT JUNE 8

Contest Details & New RFA T-Shirts Debut in Cape May

 

May 2, 2013 - Attention all New Jersey and Pennsylvania boat anglers, don't miss the Strictly Boaters Boat Show this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 3-5, at South Jersey Marina in Cape May.  The first area 'on-water' show of the 2013 season, the Strictly Boaters Boat Show has been designed specifically for boat buyers and sellers, and is the perfect spot to find the best possible deal before the fishing season kicks into high gear.

 

RFA Striper T-Shirt Join the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and our RFA-NJ chapter, as we premiere our 2013 t-shirt line featuring beautifully designed artwork of both a summer flounder and striped bass, emblazoned on high-quality, American-made Jensen tees with front pocket.  Available in bold red for 'fluke' and clean white for 'striper' these $20 RFA t-shirts will go fast, so get to South Jersey Marina early!

 

Also be sure to pick up an entry blank for the first ever RFA Bass River Summer Flounder Tournament to be held on Saturday, June 8th at Viking Yachting Center on the Bass River in New Gretna, co-sponsored by Breeze's Bar & Grill on the Bass River. 

 

In what organizers hope to one day refer to as the "Bass River Classic," cash prizes totaling $2,000 will be awarded to the top three boats in the contest ($1,000, $750 and $250) based on combined weight of the heaviest two summer flounder - or fluke if you prefer!

 

Entry is just $75 per boat through May 24th - $90 after - and includes a t-shirt for the captain and four wristbands for captain and crew for the Friday and Saturday night festivities at Breeze's Bar & Grill.  Captain's meeting kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night, June 7th at Breezes with the mandatory rules meeting at 7:30. 

 

One-day tourney commences at sunrise Saturday with final weigh-in back at the dock n' dine dock at Viking Yachting Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday with an awards ceremony with door prizes at 5 p.m.  

 

Calcuttas will also be coordinated for single heaviest flounder of the contest, and there will also be special prizes including Lamiglas rod with reel combo, and special trophies for anglers 12 and under.  Boundary lines for the contest are south to Absecon Inlet and north to the Causeway in Ship Bottom. 

 

All tournament proceeds will benefit the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and Tuckerton Seaport & Museum.

 

Pick up entry blanks where you pick up your gear, at Scott's Bait & Tackle in Mystic Island, Viking Yachting Center in New Gretna, or at Chestnut Neck Boat Yard in Port Republic (where launch facilities are available for those looking to trailer in!) 

 

The first annual RFA Bass River Summer Flounder Tournament is sponsored by Viking Yachting Center, Breezes, Lamiglas, The Fisherman Magazine, Sea-Tow of Atlantic City, Scott's Bait & Tackle and Chestnut Neck. 

 

For additional details, go to www.bassriverclassic.com.

Recreational Fishing Alliance  
Contact:  Jim Martin / 707-357-3422 
For Immediate Release
January 30, 2013     
 

NJ ANGLERS CLAIM DRAG ISLAND VICTORY

RFA Praises State Officials For Pledging Support for Access

 

May 14, 2013 -  South Jersey surfcasters have claimed victory at Drag Island this week after learning that efforts to preserve access rights to this historic Somers Point walk-up hotspot have proven successful.

 

The Drag Island Access Preservation Association (DIAPA), together with the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and its New Jersey chapter (RFA-NJ), was informed this week by Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) that walk-on access will continue at Drag Island once the State of New Jersey finishes completion of the new southbound Parkway bridge project at Somers Point, and that plans to completely demolish the Beesley's Point Bridge are being modified to accommodate fishermen and nature enthusiasts alike.

 

According to RFA executive director Jim Donofrio, the plan to preserve the access rights enjoyed by New Jersey residents for the past 85 years includes a fishing pier extension on the south side of Drag Island which will extend into Great Egg Channel, with a portion of the Beesley's Point Bridge maintained for walk-on access to Drag Island. This all comes by way of ongoing political negotiations following months of public support and letter-writing by New Jersey anglers.

 

"I know sometimes folks get frustrated when things don't happen in government immediately, but this is one particular access victory that would not have been possible without the efforts of government officials, both elected and those appointed, who helped fast-track this effort in Trenton," Donofrio said.

 

"In addition to Sen. Van Drew who has long championed angler issues in New Jersey, RFA is thankful to the folks in the Christie Administration, particularly Commissioner Bob Martin and his staff at the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as well as the Department of Transportation (DOT) who got together and figured out a way to ensure progress with preservation," added Donofrio.

 

Van Drew, who originally met with anglers back in February regarding Drag Island, gave credit to DOT Commissioner Jim Simpson, DEP Commissioner Martin, and Gov. Christie for approving the project. "This couldn't have happened without them. This project caps off an extraordinary commitment they have made to South Jersey. This truly will increase public access in a way that makes sense and does not infringe on residents' property rights. Generations of fishermen and nature lovers will enjoy this spectacular area. This project is a win for residents and visitors alike," Van Drew said this week in the Atlantic City Press.

 

"I would like to personally thank Senator Van Drew and the RFA for their tireless efforts in Trenton to ensure the enjoyment of shore based fishing and other nature related activities at Drag Island for generations to come," said founding DIAPA representative and longtime RFA member Bill Shillingford. "We are also thankful for the positive positions of the DEP and Division of Fish Game and Wildlife in preserving access to Drag Island. This is a good example of how groups working together for a common cause can get positive results."

 

George Bucci, a founding member of DIAPA, overjoyed at the news, said "Being local to the area and having fished Drag Island over the years and now with my children, I thought the access issue was important enough for me to get involved to preserve access for everyone for future generations to enjoy. I cannot express how happy I am about the results here."

 

Shillingford and Bucci both praised the efforts of another DIAPA founder, local attorney and avid angler Pat Martin. "Without his sound legal advice and insightful guidance, I am not sure we would be where we are right now."

 

"I am extremely pleased with the results here," Martin said. "Senator Van Drew took the time out of his busy schedule to meet with us, genuinely listened to our concerns and believed in our cause. RFA also committed to our efforts. I want to personally commend the Senator and RFA for fighting in Trenton to preserve access to Drag Island on our behalf."

 

RFA-NJ representative Greg O'Connell said the decision to protect public access at Drag Island may seem a minor victory for folks not familiar with this particular stretch of fishing area, but he explained that it's a huge public access win for the state's anglers. "We've had so many meetings with the DEP in recent years where we've heard the pledge of no net-loss of access, so in the grand scheme of things, the preservation of Drag Island traditions helps set a major precedent for public access in New Jersey."

 

The Atlantic City Press reported today that there would be parking on the Atlantic County side, which Van Drew said eventually could be expanded into "a wonderful recreation area." Van Drew noted the new southbound parkway bridge over Great Egg Harbor Bay and Drag Island will also have an additional lane for cars and a separate path for bicycles, the only bike lane on the parkway.

 

"With this project, we are creating a more convenient and efficient way for residents to continue to enjoy our region's beautiful coastal areas. I want to thank the anglers who worked on this issue and state officials who approached this idea with an open mind. This is what happens when we all work together for the good of the community," Van Drew said.

 

Van Drew also reminded anglers that this could take some time to get accomplished, perhaps a couple of years. "All the T's have not been crossed and the I's have not been dotted," Van Drew told the Atlantic City Press.

 

O'Connell added that RFA-NJ will continue to monitor the progress of the initiative, but added that the pledge from Van Drew and the Christie administration together is great news for all New Jersey constituents.

 

"At a time when the state budget was being negotiated and an ongoing DOT project was well underway, to take time to help shepherd our cause through the proper channels in Trenton is proof that government does work when the people take the time to get involved," O'Connell said.

About Recreational Fishing Alliance
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org.