Traps Off the Reefs\” Bill Passes Senate Committee

The NJOA and a number of NJOACF council members attended the senate committee hearing in support of the bill. The NJOA and NJOACF have been aggressively advancing the bill on behalf of recreational anglers for two years with exceptional efforts by council members Reef Rescue and JCAA.

Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife, testified in favor of the bill. Both NJ DEP and NJ DFW have written to Pete Grimbilas, President, NJOACF and Anthony Mauro, Chair, NJOACF, stating that the commercial gear must be removed from the reefs in order to remain in compliance with Wallop Breaux objectives. Bill Figley made an excellent presentation of the facts that support removal of the \”Traps off the reefs.\”

Senator Smith referenced the compelling aspects of Mr. Figley\’s testimony and noted that recreational anglers range in number between 600,000 and 1,000,000 the higher number taking transients into consideration.

The reefs are intended for hook-and-line and spear fishing. According to Director Chanda, failure to adhere to the objectives of federal law

(Wallop-Breaux) exposes the state to financial penalties that may be imposed retroactively. These Sport Fish Restoration funds are funded by an excise tax on recreational fishing purchases and federal law mandates that these funds be used for the benefit recreational fisheries.

The NJOA will keep you apprised of future developments regarding \”Traps Off the Reefs.\”

Anthony P. Mauro, Sr Chair

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects