The weather has really impacted the fishing here in the county but there’s always fishing news and related issues to consider.
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the start of fall stocking of trout has been postponed to Tuesday, Oct. 12. Biologists have decided it would be too risky to proceed with stocking factoring in the rain and cooler weather predicted for the coming days. Detailed information is posted at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/flstk_postponed10.htm .
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: *Since 1984, the Bureau of Marine Fisheries has been involved in an intensive program of artificial reef construction and biological monitoring. The purpose is to create a network of artificial reefs in the ocean waters along the New Jersey coast to provide a hard substrate for fish, shellfish and crustaceans, fishing grounds for anglers, and underwater structures for scuba divers.
Artificial reefs are constructed by intentionally placing dense materials, such as old ships and barges, concrete and steel demolition debris and dredge rock on the sea floor within designated reef sites. At present, the division holds permits for 15 artificial reef sites encompassing a total of 25 square miles of sea floor. The reefs are strategically located along the coast so that one site is within easy boat range of 12 New Jersey ocean inlets. Reefs are now being used extensively by anglers and divers who catch sea bass, blackfish, porgy and lobster.
Research projects designed to investigate the biology and ecology of ocean reefs completed during the past year included the food habits of black sea bass and the colonization of reef structures by blue mussels, barnacles and other marine invertebrates. Such studies help assess the effectiveness of reef construction efforts in providing habitat for New Jersey’s marine life.
**Legislation governing the commercial harvest of menhaden in New Jersey coastal waters took effect on Sept. 9. The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) worked with legislators to get the law passed. RFA reported that concentrated fishing pressure from displaced New England herring boats had caused a significant increase in efforts along the New Jersey coast, with many out-of-state boats using state-issued carry permits to facilitate shipment of menhaden out of state.
“At a committee meeting of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council last fall, the issue was discussed about needing to limit the issuance of these permits as there was concern that vessels from New England would come down and carry the menhaden back up north to supplement their bait issues as a result of herring quota decreases,” Capt. Adam Nowalsky, Chairman of the RFA-NJ chapter said, noting that “out-of-state boats” were contributing to a localized bunker depletion problem in New Jersey.
Sponsored in the Assembly by Matthew Milam (D-District 1), Nelson Albano (D-District 1) and Celeste Riley (D-District 3), and in the Senate by Jeff Van Drew (D-District 1), the new law limits entry provisions for commercial owners looking to harvest menhaden for sale as bait, while also limiting the size and power of boats participating in the menhaden bait harvest.
Let’s hope the fall fishing picks up this week. The stripers should be coming in soon.
Send your fish stories and photos to cmiller@cmcherald.com.
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