Blackfish

Not exactly a fish report but wanted to share this with the board. Gerry hope that's ok or move it if it's not. During the fluke season, we like fishing salmon belly strips which can be hard to come by. There's a few Asian markets I go to that stock them from time to time. As with most Asian markets, they also have live tanks for a number of species including black fish. Every time I went to one particular store they had black fish and most didn't appear to be close to the 15" size limit. Wasn't sure what the regulation were for retail but two days ago I was at the store and they had a tankful of black fish, again most appeared to be well under 15". I called NJDEP Hotline (877) WARNDEP or (877) 927-6337. Explained the situation and the women I spoke with immediately assigned a case number and took my personal information, address and phone number.

Received a call today (Saturday) from a Lieutenant who visited the store today and issued a violation for 37 undersized fish. Spoke to the gentlemen for over an hour about enforcement in general and how much his follow up meant. These guys need our help, his territory alone is over 500 square miles but he took time on a Saturday to follow up within a day of my complaint, issue a citation to the store, advise me what happened and thank me for the heads up. Pretty impressive all things considered with staffing issues.

Reason I post this is for a few reasons. Black market for live tog is OUT OF CONTROL. Fish were selling for 18.99 a lb. The fine unfortunately which is a problem is $57 per fish so the upside profits being made clearly outweigh the risk. But the response time and follow up with me was incredible. These guys need as much help as we can give them. I know there's others who see this and wanted to share with you who you can call to report such an incident if you witness it. It's not a huge step but it's a step in the right direction.

[TogRipper]

Great Post. Will keep this number on hand to report incidents

[NJSquatch]

Awesome! See something say something

[tombanjo]

Was in one Asian market recently and saw a lone Black in a dirty tank. Aside from the legality it just made me very sad to look at.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by dakota560

I called NJDEP Hotline (877) WARNDEP or (877) 927-6337.

Thank you Dakota, excellent post! I frequent a few asian markets...will be on the lookout.

Hopefully they can trace the undersized tog back to the source...we need MUCH heavier consequences across the board, from the poaching scumbags to the retailers who sell to the public. 1st offense, heavy fine. Second offense, confiscate the boat, revoke seafood license...$57 per fish is a joke, as you said...just the cost of doing business for these people.

[bulletbob]

Gamefish only status would help.
Even then, it would simply go underground.. When a simple 15-16 inch keeper size blackfish fetches $25 regularly, the fish are simply too valuable and people will poach them regardless of regulations.. hard to believe,, I remember a time not all that long ago, when nobody even wanted them... bob

[FISHGERE]

great job I love it gonna start in jersey myself looking at these markets again great job

[tautog]

I don't see them as much in the markets as I once did. When I do they appear to be legal. It is still a problem but less of one than say 10 years ago when ever market was loaded and most were short of even 14 inches. I am sure it is different in other areas though.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Great post Tom and thanks for the info!!

[AndyS]

Buy a Saltwater License and add more funding to law enforcement.