"pots Off Reef" Bill Passes Through Senate Committee

[Fish The Drop Off]

ACTION ALERT FROM RFA-NJ CHAPTER


For the third time in as many legislative sessions, the Pots off the Reefs bill has been reported successfully out of the NJ Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Senate Bill number 221 (S 221) introduced by Sen. Sean T. Kean and co-sponsored by Sen. Jeff Van Drew and Sen. Andrew R. Ciesla will now await action by the full Senate which is not likely to come until a companion Assembly bill progresses. That Assembly bill, A 1152, was recently introduced by Assembly representatives David P. Rible and Mary Pat Angelini, and has eight additional co-sponsors. The assembly version of the Pots off the Reefs bill has been referred to the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Board members of the New Jersey Chapter of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA-NJ) attended this morning's Senate committee hearing on behalf of anglers, and said there's overwhelming public support by recreational anglers in the state to see those reefs freed of fixed gear. "It was a packed committee room in Trenton today, and the RFA-NJ chapter submitted our testimony in person in support of the bill," said RFA-NJ chapter chairman Capt. Adam Nowalsky, adding "we're thrilled that S221 received a unanimous vote, and we're looking forward to seeing this get a full Senate vote in the near future."

Despite the acknowledgement that continuing to allow fixed gear on New Jersey's artificial reefs may subject the state to repayment of federal Sport Fish Restoration fund monies, the legislation had been stalled in the Assembly in recent years. Identical legislation in the last session was never read before committee, and in the prior legislative session the bill was reported out of committee, only to be voted to be tabled when brought before the full Assembly for action.

"Specifically, Director Dave Chanda said the Division of Fish and Wildlife believes it's the right thing to do," Nowalsky said of the today's vote. Nowalsky pointed out that Senator Smith specifically noted the testimony of former reef director Bill Figley as being "devastating" to the opposition's argument against the bill. "Senator Smith said it's important that the public continues to see the benefits of these fishing reefs in support of our recreational fishing community here in New Jersey," said Nowalsky.

As noted in a previous RFA-NJ email alert, the state-approved 2005 Artificial Reef Plan listed the intent of the reef sites as being for hook-and-line and spearfishing activities. For more than 20 years, the administration of the reef program has been funded by donations from anglers and organizations throughout the state, in addition to Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish (Wallop-Breaux) Restoration Funds. Sport Fish Restoration funds are derived from an excise tax on recreational fishing purchases, and federal law requires that these funds be used exclusively to benefit recreational fisheries.

RFA-NJ CHAPTER AT ATLANTIC CITY BOAT SHOW

The RFA-NJ chapter is scheduled to be in place at booth number 858 this week at the Atlantic City Convention Center, as the annual Atlantic City International Boat Show cruises into town again from Wednesday through Sunday of this week. Doors open daily at 11 a.m. through Friday, with special weekend hours starting at 10 a.m.

Back by popular demand are informative fishing classes and seminars produced by The Fisherman magazine. RFA members are reminded that Saturday is RFA Day at the Atlantic City Boat Show, with special seminars focused exclusively on local fishing opportunities and prizes given out throughout the day in the seminar area. Once again, RFA members should remember to bring their updated membership card for five times the chance to win top quality fishing tackle and prizes at the show.

Anyone who signs up for a new or renewal membership at the Atlantic City Boat Show this week will also automatically be entered into a grand prize drawing in late March for an original fish carving; this beautiful hand-carved mahi has been donated by wildlife artist and RFA-NJ board member, Chris Peszka. Come out to Atlantic City this week, check the beautiful piece of art, join the RFA, and get details on the fishermen's rally in Washington DC set for February 24.


For more information, visit www.joinrfa.org.

For details about the AC Boat Show, visit www.acboatshow.com.

About Recreational Fishing Alliance & RFA-NJ
The RFA is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA-NJ chapter mission is to safeguard the rights of New Jersey's saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries.
For information, visit www.joinrfa.org.

[DMac]

So quick summary is they will be taking off all the gear?? Kind of sounds like a lot of government babbling.

Bottom line question is will there or will ther not be a ton of fish traps to try to fish around on these reef sites. Already enought ghost pots down there, but at least it would stop new ones.

[Fish The Drop Off]

This was the first step to getting the pots off the reef sites. Now we need to wait for the bill in the Assembly to go through. Then I believe that it then will be voted in the Senate.

Still have a ways to go but step one is done.

[frugalfisherman]

Same thing last year. Never passed. I reported legislators who voted to stop vote.

[Fish The Drop Off]

Yes you are right it was tabled I think. We are starting all over again with new people in office.

Step 1 is done. Now to the Assembly committee then to the Full Senate and Assembly for a vote then to be signed....

The time frame I do not know but it is a start.

[Capt Sal]

this is good news.i hope some politician that takes money from commercial lobbyists doesn't kill it like the last time.i hope they include gill nets.i hate to see all the dead stripers floating because of the stupidity of a few irresponsible people!oh i know what they will say!!!we have to make a living too.at what cost!!!!!!!

[Pete]

This bill always manages to make it through the senate committee. And, then further manages to die on the vine when it hits the assembly, never coming to the floor for a vote. Time to write our respective assemblymen guys! This bill has been shuffled around far too long. We have got to get these guys to move.

Pete

[njdiver]

Here is the history of this legislation:

This is where it died the first time:

A3986 Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.
2nd Reading in the Assembly

2/22/2007 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
5/21/2007 Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading
1/7/2008 Motion Order of the day (Kean)
1/7/2008 Motion To Table (Watson Coleman) (41-32-0)

S2635 Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.
2nd Reading in the Assembly

5/10/2007 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment Committee
11/8/2007 Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
1/3/2008 Passed by the Senate (32-0)
1/3/2008 Received in the Assembly without Reference, 2nd Reading
1/7/2008 Motion Order of the day (Kean)
1/7/2008 Motion To Table (Watson Coleman)(41-32-0)


This is where it died the second time:

A1519 Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.
Agriculture and Natural Resources

1/8/2008 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

(Was not brought before committee.)


S336 Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.
Agriculture and Natural Resources

1/8/2008 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment Committee
2/21/2008 Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
10/23/2008 Passed by the Senate (32-4)
10/23/2008 Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee


Present status:

A1152 Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.
Agriculture and Natural Resources

1/12/2010 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

(No scheduled meeting at this time.)

S221 Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.
Environment and Energy

1/12/2010 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
2/1/2010 Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading