Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

A statement from Jack Ciattarelli on his stance on NJ outdoors

GOVERNOR JACKS
CIATTARELLI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2025

Statement on Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Hearing New Jersey's identity, culture, and economy are built on our natural resources, and nowhere is that clearer than along our coast. When I travel the state, I hear frustration about many things, but one issue that comes up again and again from anglers is fisheries management. This is not just about whether someone can catch a few fish on the weekend. This is about jobs. It's about protecting a way of life that defines who we are as New Jerseyans. I know striped bass are a big concern for anglers right now, but I've also heard about the struggles with fluke, sea bass, bluefin tuna, and more. These challenges matter - not just to anglers, but to small businesses, restaurants, tourism, and the culture of our shore communities.

As Governor, I will make sure New Jersey finally has a strong voice in fisheries management. We will fill the Marine Fisheries Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Council, and every vacant advisory seat with people who truly represent our sectors— as the law intended. We will give the DEP the resources it needs to produce the science and data for smart, fair decisions. And we will open up a transparent process where every stakeholder has a seat at the table and a voice in the outcome. And let me be very clear: when New Jersey's interests are on the line, I will provide the political will and leadership to stand up for our state and deliver results. Because this isn't just about fish. It's about fairness. It's about jobs. It's about protecting the culture and economy of New Jersey for generations to come.

Jack Ciattarelli

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Well this is refreshing. When was the last time someone running for a top office did their homework and actually learned whats going on.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Maybe he will actually reach out to the people who have done this their whole lives. We will see but I'm not holding my breath.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

It looks like he has done some research on what needs to be fixed. It looks like our Fish and Game commission lost its authority thanks to the a court ruling. And at the federal level, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has not treated us fairly. Does that have to do with the Massachusetts and Virginia commercial boats taking advantage of our fisheries?

"To ensure this policy remains beyond my service as Governor, I would support enactment of pending legislation clarifying current law that provides the council with sole authority to regulate freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping. Unfortunately, this may be necessary to correct the clearly mistaken interpretation of the law that the state Supreme Court adopted in a 2005 decision, which essentially gives the DEP Commissioner veto authority over the council’s actions and thereby turned it into a mere advisory body."

"I will focus on New Jersey’s membership with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to ensure its rules and processes account for our unique coastline and varied fishing practices, provide for proper and scientific stock management, and don’t harm our vital fishing industry which provides millions of dollars to our economy from both recreational and commercial fishing".

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Here is the link for the interview with Jack Ciatterelli https://www.thefisherman.com/article...i/#close-modal

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

While it seems refreshing, please keep in mind hes in the midst of an election and time is rapidly winding down. Politicians will say whatever they can to draw and attract votes.

We've been bamboozled before and we'll get bamboozled again. Throw caution to the wind and do more indepth research about Jack and his support of the outdoors and outdoorsmen. A simple letter written by his press team is far from enough, nor is it convincing.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Well put! Its talking points. What has he actually done in real life to say it personally concerns him based on his past________ (aka nothing)

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Dear people, believe me first hand. Jack is the real deal, kept the faith and be sure to vote Jack on the 4th.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Just by sending this letter he has done more than his opponent. Doesn't Mikie love bird choppers ? She also insinuated that if you don't like higher energy prices then you are not good people. Just saying the lesser of two evils is who I'm going with. Do your research and vote your heart.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Agreed.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

It’s my understanding that Mikkie was invited to give her take on these issues and chose not to. That silence speaks volumes to me and should let you know where she stands on these issues. Jack has gone on record in support of the outdoors and we might need to remind him of that if he’s in office if things get ugly when the regulations get decided this winter. If Mikkie gets in I don’t think we can count on any support.

Jack will also be a guest in an upcoming NJ Mutil Species podcast in October so yet another opportunity to hear first hand what he has to say.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

I thought Hakeem Jeffries would be all over this ..........?

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Mikkie refused to respond? Why on earth would she do that?

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Just a wild guess ;) but I don't think the audience of NJ outdoors enthusiasts would have been pleased with what her stance would be on these issues :rolleyes:

https://www.njoutdooralliance.org/20...al-candidates/

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Musky Nut has been working effortlessly for over 4 years over on the fresh water forum to get a pubic launch ramp built for public access to a lake stocked and partly maintained with funds from fishing licenses and taxes paid by NJ recreational anglers. A blue state. Do you think any Democrat will campaign and go against the grain of his or her own party. Don't think so.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

From the The Fisherman Magazine - NJ and Delaware Bay edition:

NJ Gubernatorial Candidates:
The October 2025 edition features responses from both NJ gubernatorial candidates Mikie Cheryl and Jack Ciattarelli on their pledges to the recreational fishing community.

I would never tell someone who to vote for as that is a personal choice. Perhaps read both responses and make up your mind.

My question after 40+ years of fishing here in NJ -- does anyone think things will change for the better regardless of who wins?

I wish someone (Trump et al. could do something about the Omega Protein Bunker Reduction Boats as less bait in ocean hurts everyone and everything).


Joe T.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Best answer yet! Don't listen to what they say / look at what they do! Always
Voting records on all legislation are available for both.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Oh so you finally not voting blue . Because Mikie has missed more votes than she had made by a Long shot just in the last few months she has missed 55 of 63 votes

Time for a Governor that makes state workers go back to the office and stop working from home .
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Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

bUt sHe FLieS a HeLIcOPter !

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Everyone should take the time to check out this link....This fellow rattles off lots of details on what needs to change. Does it make sense for the recreational fisher? BTW, why do they call it recreational. My family heritage places a high degree of importance on eating real food. My dad said if you cant find it in a field, forest or at the end of a fishing line, its not real food. Eating fish and game; growing fruits and veggies - its really a way of life that should not be outlawed.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

I know first hand there are a lot of people in the fishing community who have taken the time to brief Jack on what’s been going on with our marine fisheries. At first he was thinking it was the people in our state representing us but that’s not the case. It’s these regional and federal entities like the ASMFC who give the states their quotas and all our state people get to do is divide up the scraps they throw us. The Murphy administration has also left 2 key positions open on our Marine Council a Public and a Sportfish representative. We need those positions filled to round out the council.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Thought those spots were filled some time ago .I believe Greg Hueth has one of those two seats now

Tried looking it up , fisherman mag had an artical back in April , but can’t open it online

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Are you OK? Just checking

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Hi Dan LOL/ As much as I have been an advocate for our fishing rights not sure I can cross that line yet! JC has too many "other" policy ideas I am not aligned with. Also JC was a NJ Assemblyman from 2011 to 2018. Why did he not care about Recreational Fishing rights in NJ then???? I never saw him at a meeting / rally etc and nothing except talk now on his 3rd try for Gov. His policies certainly only cater to "some" workers.

!

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

I apologize but how can JC state anything Science based and run as a conservative?? Science left the building last Jan . RFK JR and you know who would have a fit if someone said science.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Salt water quotas are set through a collaborative process between the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), NMFS (NOAA Fisheries) and ASMFC. ASMFC and MAFMC develops and recommends fishery management plans (FMPs) and quota specifications based on scientific advice provided by North East Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), while NMFS approves and implements these regulations to ensure they prevent overfishing if you can believe that. MAFMC and ASMFC proposes the limits, and NMFS has the authority to implement, and sometimes modify, those limits to meet the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The level we need to get to is the NMFS or federal because that's where the problem starts and where high level decisions and quotas are set. Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) directly regulates allocating a portion of those limits to individual member states for their respective region. MAFMC is responsible for the EEZ, ASMFC waters inside the EEZ.

The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council is a volunteer panel of 11 members appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate, including four sports fishermen, two commercial fin fishermen, one fish processor, two general public members, and the chairman of each of the two sections of the Shellfisheries Council. As of September 2025, the council members included Acting Chair Richard N. Herb, Dr. Eleanor Ann Bochenek, Dr. Patrick Donnelly, Warren Hollinger, Walter L. Johnson III, Jeff Kaelin, Joe Rizzo, Robert R. Rush, Jr., and Kevin Wark, with two vacant seats.

Greg Hueth (obligatory seat) is one of two Members of the federally appointment MAFMC from New Jersey, alongside designated state official Joseph Cimino who is director of New Jersey's Marine Resources Administration. Greg, to my knowledge, isn't on the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council (NJMFC) which I believe is the agency Gerry was referring to in his post.

It's no wonder fisheries management is so screwed up when you consider how it's structured, one layer on top of another. Just like everything else in government, way too many politicians and agencies with everyone trying to skim the cash register while making decisions more beneficial to themselves than the resource they're supposed to be managing.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

That’s the issue with you cut and paste guys . While Nj is lazy updating those pages in FW site .
Those seats were filled , and they had all 11 seated at the April meeting .
Greg told me himself while shad fishing on the Delaware , and Hutch wrote about it in April .
Apparently those seats were directed to be filled months before the remaining red tape was done taking almost another year






In late spring 2024, Governor Phil Murphy nominated Greg Hueth and John Tiedemann to fill vacant seats on the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council. However, as of January 2025, only Tiedemann's nomination had been listed as "considered" by the state Senate.
Status of the nominations
Greg Hueth: Nominated for a sportfishing seat, but as of January 2025, the Senate Judiciary Committee had not confirmed his nomination. Hueth is a head boat captain out of Belmar.
John Tiedemann: Nominated for an "at large" public seat and listed as "considered" by the Senate Judiciary Committee in November 2024. Tiedemann is a professor at Monmouth University






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Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

I was just trying to help Dan, no need to make it personal. Exactly the reason I said "To my knowledge". "Cut and paste guy", don't think so and don't appreciate being characterized that way. We've known one another a long time, you don't deserve that disrespect and I'm damn sure I don't.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

[QUOTE=Broad Bill;590897]Salt water quotas are set through a collaborative process between the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), NMFS (NOAA Fisheries) and ASMFC. ASMFC and MAFMC develops and recommends fishery management plans (FMPs) and quota specifications based on scientific advice provided by North East Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), while NMFS approves and implements these regulations to ensure they prevent overfishing if you can believe that”

How can this be believed? In the case of fluke, they are killing the breeders and letting all the males die of old age. But we are being told not to believe our lying eyes. The whole system is tainted and needs to be fixed.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

[QUOTE=NoLimit;590900]Our catch isn’t doing shit to hurt the fluke fishery . Smoke and mirrors .
Fluke fishery is being destroyed by the NC commercial fleet from NC past Massachusetts.
While everyone else gets the blame passed to them , the landings for those 7 days boats way exceeds their fishery .
So they hit everyone else’s waters outside the 3 mile line and take them back to the NC processing plants .

.unless that stops , which it won’t everything else don’t mean crap

.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

It goes beyond just the NC commercial fleet which I agree is a huge problem. The entire commercial fleet from every state fishing year round and killing females during the offshore fall migration and spawn kills trillions of eggs every year and recreational shorts tossed back overboard to retain higher priced larger fish of both sexes but primarily females. Commercial dead discard levels are enormous and as I've been saying for almost 10 years will eventually be the death of the stock. North Carolina and Virginia I believe make up about 50% of the entire commercial quota so North Carolina's practice harvesting their quota primarily during the fall and winter months is a huge problem but the entire commercial practice is absolutely f****** out of control.

And yes I agree recreational fishing doesn't put a dent in the fishery and isn't the problem. The fluke fishery has been dedicated to the commercial sector and the regulations are absolutely ludicrous targeting exclusively the harvest of the spawning biomass while killing millions of juvenile fish.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

So why keep the minimum size and ruin the day for the kids that go home after tossing back all their fish?

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

The recreational minimum size was adopted to insure a much greater percentage of the overall stock became the exclusive harvest of the commercial sector as their minimum starts at 14". They still harvest the larger fish to promote higher catch values and kill God only knows how many smaller fish in the process. The recreational sector makes the sacrifices, the commercial sector receives the financial benefits and an extremely high percentage of the stock becomes collateral damage in the commercial sector process of selectively harvesting the more valuable older age classes. Meaning smaller less valuable younger age classes brought up in their nets get shoveled back overboard dead with the rest of the non targeted catch. There's more waste in commercial fishing alone than the entirety of all recreational harvest but fisheries management bases commercial catch numbers for dead discard mortality on bogus data that commercial operators routinely under report on their vessel trip reports which is completely based on the honor system and whatever percentage they arbitrarily want to report which you know is low balled.

Recreational catch statistics, as we know, are based on MRIP numbers which NMFS has already admitted are more than 40% overstated while commercial discard mortality statistics are left up to the discretion of commercial operators. It's a completely rigged system that favors the commercial sector at the expense of the recreational sector and the stock as a whole.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

Maybe our only hope is to invest in artificial fish, just like artificial meat. . Most of what is in the supermarket is half way there like sea legs.. The supermarket will squirt out 50 different flavors of fish sticks. The trawlers will quit tearing up the seabed, stop by catching the juveniles to death, and processing fillets that taste like cardboard. This way, we can get back to the days when there was no limit and plenty of quality fish for the table.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

[QUOTE=NoLimit;590900]NoLimit, I'm sure this wasn't your intention but when you bifurcated my post and replied to it, you made it appear your reply was part of my initial post because you removed the QUOTE at the end.

So there's no confusion "How can this be believed? In the case of fluke, they are killing the breeders and letting all the males die of old age. But we are being told not to believe our lying eyes. The whole system is tainted and needs to be fixed.", that statement is yours not mine.

Smaller males aren't dying of old age, the older larger class fish that make it through are being harvested but the younger classes, both males and females, are being killed in the process of harvesting larger more valuable fish by the commercials. It's all SIZE and WEIGHT driven when it comes to commercial harvest which translates to maximum catch values, selective harvest and massive amounts of waste in the form of dead discard.

These are literally the most idiotic regulations of any fishery I've ever researched. Kill the juvenile fish, harvest the breeders, allow the commercial sector to slaughter the stock during the spawn, allow netting year round and allow out of state commercial operators who already destroyed the southern stock to do the same to the only remaining Gulf of Maine and Mid-Atlantic stocks on the eastern seaboard.

Re: Jack Ciattarelli Stance on NJ Outdoors
 

I'm all about getting back to when we had a sustainable fishery and no need for seasons of limits. We do that by getting the commercial guys under control, especially with the HUGE by catch slaughter which is pure waste. The Feds will have to fix this...maybe Trumps son will get the word out.

But now we have this absurd Striper shutdown looming...its more stupid than the Speed Limit which would have had everyone shut down. However NJ does not have a commercial fishery for Stripers and Trenton should be able to put an end to it...we have had enough stupid shut downs.