2026 Regulations Recap

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by baseballman

The recreational fishing industry's united response to ASMFC considered a no target closure has definitely been inspiring and hope that continues to be the norm every time the Feds think they can eff with a fishery.

For sure and I think a lot of this is due to people getting involved at the right time at the right place. It's also due in part to the increased transparency we have in the process since Covid. Webinars instead of in person meetings and meeting materials we all have better and easier access to.

This process used to be controlled and influenced by a handful of insiders sitting in a room and now it's way more out in the open. This makes the various committees and federal organizations that manage the fisheries more responsible and accountable to we the people.

Lots more work to be done but it is inspiring, puts some wind in our sails and hopefully a trend that continues.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Another update from the ASMFC... I just got an email recapping the December meeting and they are keeping Summer Flounder (Fluke) status quo for 2026 and 2027. I would think that means our regs in NJ will stay the same but not 100% sure.

[hartattack]

Good job all ::: https://onthewater.com/black-sea-bas...by-20-for-2026

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by hartattack

Good job all ::: https://onthewater.com/black-sea-bas...by-20-for-2026

Admittedly, this was a slam dunk lay up. None of the Federal Councils or NOAA could pass the red face test if they didn't give us some fish back.

All we had to do was press them and get involved at the right time. If we hadn't, we would have got the usual treatment.

Good job to everyone who got involved and lets keep this full court press going.