Assembly Resolution 133, sponsored by South Jersey Assembly Republican Sam Fiocchi, R-Cumberland, Cape May and Atlantic, which urges Congress and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to reevaluate the provisions in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), was released by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee today.
Fiocchi believes the MSA guideline are too rigid and do not recognize differences in regional fishing. Currently, the act requires that overfished stocks be rebuilt as quickly as possible in a time frame not exceeding 10 years. Fiocchi believes this restrictive time limit has lead to dramatic restrictions on harvest limits and fishing seasons.
“Many people in New Jersey make their living from the fishing industry,” said Fiocchi. “I have examined the provisions in the MSA, some of which are outdated, and treat each fishing region the same. A more current and thorough analysis that examines the impact MSA regulations have on a region’s fisheries is warranted. This resolution is a reasonable request that will result in more flexibility for New Jersey’s professional and recreational anglers.”
Fiocchi said although the MSA has been successful in rebuilding the nation’s depleted fish stocks and preventing overfishing, its lack of flexibility has hurt New Jersey’s fishing industry.
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