NEW JERSEY, DELAWARE HEARING ON RECREATIONAL REFORM - The Fisherman

NEW JERSEY, DELAWARE HEARING ON RECREATIONAL REFORM

 

 

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and its Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board (Policy Board) have approved for public comment the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Bluefish FMP.

The Draft Addenda consider changes to the process used by ASMFC and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) to set recreational management measures (bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. MAFMC is considering an identical set of options through a framework action.

Public hearings are now being held along the Atlantic Coast, with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife holding an online meeting together on Monday, March 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

If you’re frustrated by the way our fluke, sea bass, porgy and bluefish fisheries are regulated and managed, it’s strongly encouraged that you get involved right here, right now, and help support the efforts underway by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) to incorporate some much needed changes.

 

ACTION ITEM 1

New Jersey, Delaware anglers can register to attend the March 28th meeting at https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/1135657394291955982 (select Mon, Mar 28, 2022 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT from the drop down menu.)

ACTION ITEM 2

Sign this petition developed by the ASA in support of the reforms by going to https://www.votervoice.net/iframes/KAF/Campaigns/93101/Respond

ACTION ITEM 3

Download ASA’s Guide to the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda/Framework to follow along with the various options at https://keepamericafishing.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ASA-Guide-for-HCR-Addendum-Final.pdf

Read more about the Recreational Harvest Control Rule from The Fisherman Magazine.