[Gerry Zagorski]

If history repeats itself which I think is very likely, the state will finalize our Fluke and Seabass regs last minute in the April monthly meeting which usually occurs the first or 2nd Thursday of the month so either the 4th or the 11th. The reason for this is that the feds and the regional councils have to complete their work before the states can do anything to come up with their options for public comment.

Stripers regs will likely be decided before that since we already have emergency measures in place and there's been a ton of focus on them early in the cycle. That and I don't think the states are going to have a choice in the matter and the regs will likely be decided at the federal level unless the majority of the states take issues with them. Like last year, NJ will be the only state to try and push back but we'll get out voted.

Update.... If everything goes as planed, it looks like the final Fluke regs will be decided on the 3/7/2024 NJ Marine Fisheries Council Meeting. Not sure what the options are yet but will keep everyone informed. Looks like Seabass will remain the same as last year.