Fishery Management

Originally Posted by AndyS

Name one fish you can catch in New Jersey waters 12 months out of the year. That is part of the problem, that and a million people fishing for over 200 types of fish, the sun doesn't rise and set because of fluke.

Andy I might be missing your point but as Dan just pointed out summer flounder is one of the most vital and sought after fish in the Mid-Atlantic States. The sun may not rise and set based on the health of the fishery for all but try convincing party, for hire and commercial of that when peoples livelihoods are being horse traded and put at risk. Balance is everything. Take away summer flounder as we're seeing today and that applies more pressure on other stocks. porgies, ling, sea bass, bonito anything that will make up a day's catch and keep people in business.

The Raritan River isn't the only river in NJ but you have a passion for keeping it clean. Summer flounder isn't the only game in town but if it fails and it has it's going to have significant social and economic impacts to many people in many industries across many states. The problems facing the fishery in my mind are clear, we need to convince fisheries management the current regulations are imposing more harm than good. That's the mission and there's people working diligently to get those points on the table and addressed. Who knows if we'll be successful but as the saying goes it won't be for lack of effort.