What seems on the surface as a lazy time of the year for fishers, the reality is much different. Fishing Expos, Captain’s classes, Flea Markets, and oh, yes, the legislative process, hold our interest. Soon we’ll be hearing all about quotas and fishing seasons. Most importantly, we should all be focused right now on the continued debate regarding a NJ free registry vs. a NJ saltwater fishing license.
The RFA would tell me that the debate is over; the bill is waiting for the governor‘s signature. However, Tuesday night, Feb. 8, interested parties were packed to overflowing at the Cape May Charter and Party Boat Association meeting. Representatives from some impressive groups like the NJ Sportsman’s Federation, CMC Fishing Alliance, NJ Saltwater Sportsman’s Alliance, NJ Outdoor Alliance, captains from Fortescue and Strathmere fishing clubs, and more. (My apologies to anyone I missed.)
Assemblyman Nelson Albano (D-1), sponsor of bill A823 (S1122) attended the meeting to listen to the concerns of those present. Not one voice was raised in opposition to a fee-based license.
A Free Registry seems like a great idea but can New Jersey’s recreational fishing industry afford it? I’ve written before about the need for improved and expanded programs for our fisheries management. Other states use funding from licensing programs to fund such data collection. Some states spend as much as 30 times what we in New Jersey spend.
Clearly our state is in a fiscal crisis, and our fishing is in crisis, too. The best way to promote fishing in New Jersey is to properly, consistently and fully fund fisheries management programs. This isn’t going to be cheap but monies from a licensing fee could be, by law, dedicated to just that purpose. We need the scientific data better resources would bring, in order to stay viable when fishing quotas and fishing seasons are determined. Lottery profits or license plate funding seem more inconsistent and more open to the state’s redirection, if and when they ever get approved.
Interestingly, according to reports, after listening to the ’other’ point of view, Assemblyman Albano agreed to meet with these representatives again. Perhaps the dialogue is not over.
On another note: Governor Christie vetoed the Liberty Natural Gas Offshore LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Facility proposed for the NY/NJ Coast. To learn more visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.
Please send your fishing reports, pictures, and comments to cmiller@cmcherald.com.
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