Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

Going to those links found this: http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/fis...ishingrec.html

It looks like the Stellwagon Banks are now a refuge and the big question is Will they chase out the draggers and help recreational fishing?

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

Are these groups doing anything to stop draggers? That is the only thing that is killing recreational fishing.

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

It was supposed to be closed to the draggers but after the draggers bitched and moaned that they couldn't get their limit on Georges, fishing was opened to the draggers and they wiped the cod out again. Now that there is nothing left, its closed to draggers.

I believe this is correct but let me know if I'm wrong.

Leif

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

So the first question for this new group is

- What will you do about stopping the draggers that have decimated the population of winter and summer flounder that used to live in these rivers and bays.

- What will they do about preventing the destruction of fluke stocks in the rivers and bay by stopping the forced taking of breeders and allowing the harvesting of mature males

This is what we need done and I am not sure if anyone except Captain Ron and a few others are doing anything about it. I am not going to donate to any group that includes draggers.

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

RFA is monitoring the situation and will be present for the March 16 meeting in Red Bank to question this nomination for a NMS. All I can say right now as details are being evaluated is this is a major concern as to what the real agenda is. Will keep you posted

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

Again dales529 thanks for you support. At least the RFA can see that there is some danger here. Unfortunately, it looks like a lot of people on this forum don't.

Gotta love the guy that was bothered by having to read through four pages of "hysteria". SMFH

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

From the RFA
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/C...id=YhNkMe0XyAM

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

Just in case anybody can't click on a link.

RFA SAYS NO TO PROPOSED RARITAN BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY


New Gretna, NJ - An effort is underway by the Navesink Marine Heritage Association to have Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay, the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers and their tributaries declared a "National Marine Sanctuary." According to the proponents, if it is enacted by federal authorities it would add more than 12,500 acres of public-use parkland to eastern Monmouth County, while extending the federal National Park philosophy "in perpetuity" to these local waters.

The idea might sound good, but past experience with Marine Sanctuaries in California, Florida and other coastal areas has ultimately resulted in loss of access for recreational fishermen and having one in such a highly populated area that is also home to some of the best inshore fishing on the coast would lead to just such overzealous regulatory actions.

"This action is a solution looking for a problem," says Jim Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. "The proponents of the NMS claim they want the areas protected and preserved, but New Jersey already has some of the most progressive environmental and development laws of any state so little is to be gained by a listing. What an NMS designation does is open the Pandora's Box of denying public access and recreational fishing is usually the first to lose."

"RFA has dealt with the broken promises of no further restrictions touted by the promoters of marine protected areas for two decades," Donofrio continued. "California, the Dry Tortugas, Biscayne Bay and Stellwagen Bank off Massachusetts just to name a few. The real goal behind the high minded idealism always ends up being reduced access. That's why we are asking fishermen to attend the hearings next week to voice their concerns and to just say no!"

Public hearings on the proposed National Marine Sanctuary initiative in Sandy Hook Bay, the Navesink and the Shrewsbury will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 at the Keyport Yacht Club in Keyport, and at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16 at the Red Bank Library, 84 West Front Street in Red Bank. Click on the facebook link below to let us know if will be attending the hearings.

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

The presentation at the Keyport Yacht Club is not open to the public. Per Mr. Van Hemmen.

Re: Sandy Hook Bay Shutdown to Fishing
 

I wouldn't take this Rik V Hemmens word for anything. He posts up on his website here are PUBLIC dates and now he tells you Private. :confused: