Weather may be cold but the fishing scene is always hot. Time to pay close attention to NJ DEP and the NJ Legislature as they work out details on the federal registry issue.
The New Jersey Senate Environment Committee voted unanimously Dec. 9 to approve Senate Bill 1122, paving the way for a full vote before the Senate. The vote in Committee gives New Jersey a chance to implement a new state registry program to meet the federal registry requirements set by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Check out the RFA Web site for details. (As of Monday, Dec. 20, the Senate approved the measure and the Bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature.)
I have printed info with link to RFA Web site (Recreational Fishing Alliance, www.joinrfa.org) in the past weeks with their side of the issue. They wholeheartedly support the bill which was due on the floor for a vote Monday, Dec. 20. (See note above)
It may be a moot point if the bill was in fact passed Monday but I want very much to get another viewpoint out there. Charter Captain, Saltwater Fly Fishing Guide and member of Cape May Party and Charter Boat Association, Owner of Tide Runner Fly and Light Tackle Charters did attend the hearing in Trenton for Bill S1122 on the free registry. He says he could not support it as the money to make it free will probably come out of NJ Marine Fisheries budget.
“With their already limited funding, they will have almost no funding. I would have supported it if the state provided proper funding so it could do the job it is suppose to do. We maybe able to fish free but without proper funding some where down the road we will not have anything to fish for.
“What the state has done has seriously divided the New Jersey Salt Water Fishing Community. Up until now our fishing community has been one of unity, pretty much fighting on the same team for the same causes. If the state had properly funded NJ Marine Fisheries everyone here today would be on board with this bill. The way it is now, passing this bill is like putting a patch on a severely leaking roof when a new roof is needed.
“New Jersey Marine Fisheries with it’s meager budget cannot properly provide the in-state services that New Jersey Saltwater Fishermen deserve and expect, and it can no longer compete effectively in the Atlantic Marine Fisheries arena with states that have the manpower and monetary support of their states. (Just compare the NJ budget to other coastal states.) We are either among the lowest or the very lowest.
“The only way S1122 should be supported is if proper funding was first provided to New Jersey Marine Fisheries. Then the divided fishing community could all leave united and on the same team and New Jersey could compete with it’s coastal states to protect the privileges of New Jersey Anglers.
“With national and state economics the way they are, the possibility of proper funding provided by the state seems to be slim and none, especially based on past performance.
“As a solution a large number of concerned NJ Anglers, (The Cape May Party and Charter Boat Association, the Coalition of Anglers to Secure a Tomorrow for New Jersey Saltwater Fishing and others would rather see a New Jersey Salt Water License, which would address the federal registration issue and at the same time provide more adequate funding for New Jersey Marine Fisheries.
“I urge you to be step up and do what is best for New Jersey Saltwater Fishermen, instead of passing bill which side steps the real problem.” (Capt. Ray Szulczewski)
Send your fish stories and photos to cmiller@cmcherald.com.
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