Christie Administration petitions to remove pots off NJ reefs in fed waters

[njdiver1]

NJOA Release: November 6, 2015


Christie Administration petitions to remove pots off NJ reefs in fed waters


On behalf of the Christie Administration, Assistant Commissioner Boornazian, Natural and Historic Resources, has written the Mid-Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council (MAMFC) initiating the process for Special Management Zone (SMZ) designation for New Jersey’s 13 artificial reefs in federal waters. Assistant Commissioner Boornazian has requested agenda time at a future MAMFC meeting to discuss and request “…an SMZ designation to completely prohibit commercial potting gear on all 13 of these reefs”.


According to Anthony P. Mauro, Chair, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, “This action is needed to eliminate gear that is restricting anglers from accessing the reefs. These reefs are paid for by recreational anglers and they are intended for hook-and-line and spear fishing.” Mauro continued, “This action by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is a continuation of the effort that resulted in the recently adopted rule that resolves gear conflicts and restrictions on reefs in state waters.”


The letter also states, “New Jersey’s Reef Program was funded primarily through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFR), which is a “user pays, user benefits” program. Following several requests by USFWS to resolve these user conflict and access issues, on April 12, 2011 SFR funding for the Reef Program and all reef construction and monitoring activities was discontinued for failure to address the issue.


USFWS officials stated that the funding to the Reef Program would be restored once these issues are resolved”.


A copy of Assistant Commissioner Boornazian’s letter is available for download here:


https://filemanager.capwiz.com/filemanager/file-mgr/njoutdooralliance/1_NJDEP_Request_for_SMZ.pdf

 

[lowviz]

Maybe take a moment to examine WHY these reefs were sanctioned and WHO actually paid for them.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2005/reefplan05.pdf

An excerpt:

The objectives of New Jersey's Reef Program are to:

1) construct hard-substrate reef habitat for marine fish and invertebrates;
2) provide spawning, nursery, refuge and feeding area for marine life;
3) increase diversity and abundance of marine life;
4) create fishing grounds for hook-and-line fishermen;
5) provide underwater structures for scuba divers;
6) provide economic benefits to recreational fishing and diving industries.

While trying to meet the objectives of the Reef Program, DEP's underlying goal in both constructing and managing reefs is to spread the benefits of the reefs among as many people as possible. The intent of the program is not to change New Jersey's marine environment, but rather to enhance a small portion (less than 1 percent) of the sea floor off New Jersey to benefit about 150 species of fish and other marine life that prefer structured, reef habitat.

 

[njdiver1]

None of that has made a difference to the Politicians or Bureaucrats.

 

[lowviz]

Yeah, I know.

But much (nearly all) of the legislation gets passed without comment as those who are most affected never seem to take the time to get involved.

When and where is the December meeting?

 

[njdiver1]

NEXT MEETING:


December 2015 Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Meeting


Dec 7, 2015 – Dec 10, 2015 The Westin Annapolis, MD

 

[lowviz]

Dec 7!!! Nevermind. Nobody remembers that stuff anymore...

-save me a seat.

Thanks.

 

[njdiver1]

"A date that will live in infamy."