The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council (Council) will meet on Thursday, July 10 starting at 5 p.m. at the Stafford Township Firehouse at 133 Stafford Avenue in Manahawkin.
The Council was created by the Marine Fisheries Management and Commercial Fisheries Act of 1979 (N.J.S.A.23:2B); as per the statute, the Council makeup is composed of 11 volunteer members, including four sportfish representatives, two active commercial fin fishermen, one active fish processor, two members of the general public, and the chairman of the each of the two sections of the Shellfisheries Council.
The Council’s powers and duties:
- Contribute to the preparation and revision of fisheries management plans.
- Be empowered to disapprove, within 60 days of the proposal, any rule or regulation or any amendment thereto proposed by the commissioner.
- Advise the commissioner on policies of the department and in the planning, development, and implementation of all departmental programs related to marine and shellfish.
- Examine, consider and make recommendations in any matters pertaining to the conservation and management of fisheries resources throughout the State.
- Submit to the commissioner any recommendations for new rules and regulations or revision to existing rules and regulations which it deems necessary for the proper operation of an effective marine fisheries program.
- Hold periodic public hearings in regard to current issues affecting the operation of the marine fisheries program.
- Recommend the convening of species related citizen panels.
- Study and analyze economic, social and ecological data relating to the operation of the marine fisheries program.
To help collect public input and stakeholder feedback for making decisions, the Council assembles Council Advisory Committees to discuss issues for a particular species, group of species, gear type, or other fishery management topics. These Committees consist of three to five Council members and several citizen advisors.
For details on the July 10th meeting of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council call 609-292-7794.
