The Fishing Line: Happy New Year

Here’s to 2011 and a Fish-Friendly 2012. Here’s a few topics that made headlines this last year. See what you think.
The Marine Fish Conservation Network had a busy year. This was the year they hope will mark the end of overfishing, as fisheries management councils around the country made history putting final touches on annual catch limits for all fisheries.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted to start managing Atlantic menhaden, the most important fish in the sea.
Although it didn’t make the news, The MFCN was able to successfully communicate to Congress why funding science and data collection is so important to good fisheries management. They admit they didn’t get everything they wanted but they feel they got a lot more than if they hadn’t asked.
Lastly, MFCN put the issue of pirate fishing on the national agenda. The Senate is considering multiple bills that would protect the investment we’ve made in our fisheries management system.
Flexibility and Access in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2011 (HR3061) is gaining support among bipartisan coastal legislators. Introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), this important Magnuson reform bill is also supported by Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ), Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), and others. This bill is still in the first step in the legislative process.
Governor Christie signed the bill creating a free state saltwater fishing registry to comply with federal registry requirements ending a debate that garnered considerable discussion.
Now, NJ anglers with a valid registration with the National Saltwater Angler Registry or have a valid license from another exempted state are required to register for free with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Registration with NJ exempts you from having to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry.
Individual saltwater anglers ages 16 and older must register if they:
Recreationally fish with a hand line or rod and line, spearfish or fish by hand;
Recreationally fish in the marine and fresh tidal waters of NJ; and/or
Recreationally fish in marine waters outside the State of New Jersey but land the catch in New Jersey.
Individual saltwater anglers are exempt from registering if either:
Under the age of 16 or solely fish on for-hire (party and charter) vessels that are registered with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program
2011 Marine Issue of the Fish and Wildlife DIGEST (published in May) Regulations remain in effect until changed. See chart below as a reminder.
Send your fishing reports and pictures to cmiller@cmcherald.com. All pictures submitted, if they don’t make it in the print version, can be seen on the Herald’s Web site www.cmcherald.com, click on community, then fishing and boating.