[dales529]

The RFA also noted that this particular legislation (A2645) is also the first step in a regulatory process which will hopefully remove all fixed gear from New Jersey's remaining artificial reef sites from Shark River and Sea Girt south to the Cape May and Deepwater reef sites.

In the Asbury Park Press today, Nowalsky said RFA-NJ's board is supportive of the concept of the bill, but he also maintained that there are some issues that need to be addressed, such as what specific areas along one of the corners of the reefs will be allowed for commercial usage.

If you really read Capt Adam's quote in the press release (above) you will see that RFA-Nj position of support is in the "concept" of the bill and more so the ability of the bill to START the process which to date has just lanquished for years going nowhere. Is the bill perfect, NO but again RFA-Nj has taken the position that the bill has the potential to get something accomplished where previous attempts have failed miserably.

At least RFA-NJ is willing to put themselves in a controversial position and take the criticism although unwarranted in an effort to work through a bill that at least has a chance of getting something done and in turn benefitting recreational anglers. I would rather be part of that scenario than just saying NO to it and having another bill go nowhere.

Ask yourself a simple question after reading all the information. Did the old bill go anywhere? Does this bill have a better chance of finally getting "Pots off the reefs" moving in a direction that will accomplish something, restore funding and allow for further movement on all reefs ? After doing that my answer was YES in the "concept" of the bill.