[Angler Paul]

Fluke and Sea Bass Regulation Update - 3/13/14

On 3/13/13, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council held a special conference call pertaining to fluke and sea bass. The purpose of this call was to discuss and approve management options for the various regions as well as proposed regulatory options for each state. Regarding fluke, New Jersey came out of this as well as c hoped for considering that we are now in a region with New York and Connecticut. Specifically, New Jersey's representatives, Tom Fote (ASMFC) and Tom Baum (NJBMF) argued successfully that we should have a 128 day season and a 5 fish bag limit. There were those who favored a shorter season and/or a 4 fish bag limit. The 18" size limit had previously been approved by all three states in our region. The motion that passed also included two additional provisions. One is that of the 128 day season, no more than 45 days may be during the wave 3 period (May-June). That means that New Jersey's season will begin no sooner than 5/17. We also could begin the season later than that date so that it could be extended further into September, but no later than 9/30. The majority of those in attendance at New Jersey's advisory meeting on 2/27 favored a later start so that the season could be extended further into September. In part that is due to the fact that the season for sea bass will be closed then and with the limit of only one blackfish during that same time, there will be little else for the inshore fishermen to fish for.
The second provision that was approved by the ASMFC is one that would allow a 16" size limit for fluke caught by shore-based anglers in specific areas. However, these areas would have to be properly monitored. Connecticut already has this special regulation in effect and it is now up to New Jersey and New York to develop similar regulations if they wish to do so.
In regard to sea bass, the ASMFC approved options for each region along with various regulatory options for each state. Not much has changed since my last report except that the ASMFC based their decision on the mandated 7% cut set by NMFS. However, the ASMFC also will be writing a letter to NMFS requesting that the reduction be less than 7 %. The 7% cut was in part due to projected wave 6 data (November - December). However, the wave 6 data that recently came out showed that we harvested less fish than had been projected. Therefore, we might be able to cut back by as little as 3.2%. That would mean that our season could be lengthened by a couple of days.
At the advisors meeting on 2/27, a number of options regarding sea bass were considered and a couple new ones were suggested that the NJBMF developed and were since approved by the ASMFC. It is certain that we will have a season that begins on 5/19 with a 12 ½” size limit. We also know that the season will be closed from 9/18 or sooner through 10/17 or later. There is a strong possibility that the season could be closed by early to mid –August if the bag limit remains high. The options that were on the table at the meeting included those with 12, 15 or 20 fish bag limits. I suggested that the bag limit be reduced to 3-5 fish in July so that the season could be further extended into August or even September. One of the additional options that was approved for consideration is a 15 fish bag limit from 5/19 - 6/30, a 5 fish bag limit from 7/1-8/27 and a 15 fish bag limit from 10/18-12/31. The season will be closed in federal waters from 9/18 - 10/17 so it makes little sense to develop any options that would allow us to fish in state waters only during that time.
The list of various options pertaining to both fluke and sea bass will be coming out soon. Those interested in commenting are encouraged to do so at a special NJMFC council meeting where regulations for both species are expected to be adopted. This meeting will held at 4 PM on April 3rd at the Stafford Township Municipal building located at 260 East Bay Av., Manahawkin.


Paul Haertel
President JCAA