RV/MC changes: (proposed)

[AndyS]

The Council proposes to amend N.J.A.C. 7:25-6.8(b)3 to allow anglers to harvest additional Lake Trout at specific sizes from Merrill Creek Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir. Both reservoirs are experiencing declines in the condition of the reproducing Lake Trout populations, as indicated by poor weight, due to overpopulation. The proposed change at Merrill Creek Reservoir is from a daily limit of two Lake Trout at a minimum size of 15 inches, to a limit of two Lake Trout greater than 15 inches and less than 24 inches plus two additional Lake Trout 24 inches or greater, for a total of four fish per day. The daily harvest limit at Round Valley Reservoir is proposed for an increase from six to eight Lake Trout of 15 inches to less than 24 inches, and by maintaining the current harvest of one Lake Trout per day that are 24 inches or greater, anglers may take a total of nine Lake Trout per day. By allowing more angler harvest, the available food sources in these two reservoirs are available to the remaining population of fish.
In N.J.A.C. 7:25-6.8(b)4 the catch and release season is removed for Lake Trout at these reservoirs. These proposed amendments are collectively intended to allow and encourage additional angler harvest of Lake Trout to cull their populations for the benefit of the entire Lake Trout fishery at both reservoirs.