7/17/10
Correction
Warren County Federation Annual Fluke Tournament is Friday, July 23, 2010 on the Eagle
at of Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Adults $60.00, Kids under 16 is $45.00.
e-mail - Bill Englehardt
englehardt1@optonline.net
The Event Calendar Updated June 27, 2010
Check it out!
June 27, 2010
Registrations are now being accepted for the NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" (BOW) Coastal workshop. Slated for September 10 - 12, 2010, the workshop is a fabulous opportunity to spend three value-packed days and two nights in beautiful Avalon when the crowds are gone and the weather and water are usually superb.
The incredibly low fee of $395 includes lodging at the oceanfront Golden Inn ( http://www.goldeninn.com/ ), seven meals and free instruction and use of equipment needed for the various wildlife and outdoor skill classes. A limited number of $235 scholarships are available for first-time participants.
Although oriented towards women, this workshop is open to anyone who is at least 18 years of age who would like to learn about wildlife and outdoor skills on the Jersey coast. Snorkeling, fishing, geocaching, shooting, kayaking, archery, falconry, boating, crabbing and bird watching are just a few of the 23 hands-on learning sessions being offered. No prior knowledge or skills are required - just a willingness to learn from experienced and talented instructors.
This workshop has been a life changing experience for many women who discovered the joy of the outdoors and enriched their lives with the skills and confidence they acquired. It can do the same for you or someone you care about.
Don't miss out on this unique value and wonderful opportunity and experience. Register early to secure your spot for this great learning opportunity! Visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bowhome.htm today to view and print the workshop brochure and registration form.
June 27, 2010
ASMFC Summer Meeting
August 2 - 5, 2010
Crowne Plaza Hotel Old Town
901 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia
(703) 683-6000
Preliminary Agenda
PLEASE NOTE: The agenda is subject to change. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of meetings. Interested parties should anticipate meetings starting earlier or later than indicated herein.
August 2, 2010
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM American Lobster Management Board
August 3, 2010
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Tautog Management Board
9:45 AM - 11:45 AM Shad & River Herring Management Board
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Spiny Dogfish & Coastal Sharks Management Board
3:45 PM - 5:15 PM Atlantic Menhaden Management Board
August 4, 2010
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Business Session
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM Ecosystem Workshop
1:15 PM - 3:15 PM ISFMP Policy Board
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Weakfish Management Board
August 5, 2010
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board
9:45 AM - 11:45 AM Horseshoe Crab Management Board
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM ISFMP Policy Board
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Business Session
Public Comment Guidelines
With the intent of developing policies in the Commission's procedures for public participation that result in a fair opportunity for public input, the ISFMP Policy Board has approved the following guidelines for use at management board meetings:
For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board's attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs will use a speaker sign-up list in deciding how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.
For topics that are on the agenda, but have not gone out for public comment, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. Chairs will have flexibility in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comment will not provide additional insight to the board.
For agenda action items that have already gone out for public comment, it is the Policy Board's intent to end the occasional practice of allowing extensive and lengthy public comments. Currently, board chairs have the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances.
In addition, the following timeline has been established for the submission of written comment for issues for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period (i.e., in response to proposed management action).
1. Comments received 3 weeks prior to the start of a meeting week (July 12) will be included on the briefing CD.
2. Comments received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday immediately preceding the scheduled ASMFC Meeting (in this case, the Tuesday deadline will be July 27, 2010) will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting and a limited number of copies will be provided at the meeting.
3. Following the Tuesday, July 27, 2010 5:00 PM deadline, the commenter will be responsible for distributing the information to the management board prior to the board meeting or providing enough copies for the management board consideration at the meeting (a minimum of 50 copies).
The submitted comments must clearly indicate the commenter's expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution. As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail, fax, and email.
*************************
Tina Berger, Public Affairs Specialist
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1444 I Street. NW, Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202)289-6400
FAX: (202)289-6051
Email:
tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org
June 27, 2010
Applications for the 2010 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards Now Available
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is currently accepting applications for the 2010 New Jersey Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards through September 16th.
This awards program was established by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to recognize outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects in the state. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, communities, schools and local governments that have made significant contributions to environmental protection in New Jersey.
To learn more about the awards program, download an awards application, or review past winners and their project descriptions, visit the awards website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/eeawards/ .
Winners of the 2010 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards will be invited to an awards ceremony and press event tentatively scheduled in Princeton at Drumthwacket, the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey.
If you have questions about the awards program, contact DEP representative Dean Anderson, at 609 777-1949 or at
Dean.Anderson@dep.state.nj.us.
June 27, 2010
Delaware River Study Article Posted
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors populations of juvenile fish found in the Delaware River's estuary to estimate their abundance and evaluate the success of the their populations. These assessments provide a means to predict population trends and future the harvest potential of monitored species.
A feature article about he 2009 Delaware River Seine Survey, and background on the primary species studied, has been posted on the division's website. Visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artdelstudy10.htm for information about the survey and the fish species it looks at.
June 27, 2010
The NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife has developed spectacular fisheries for a variety of game fish through its state of the art aquaculture facility at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery. During the past 20 years, modernization of the hatchery has enabled the division to establish thriving populations of game fish such as northern pike, walleye, hybrid striped bass and muskellunge for New Jersey anglers.
The hatchery rears a total of 15 species of coolwater and warmwater fish and annually produces and stocks an average of 2 million fish. The breeding stock for many of these fish are trapped from the populations that have been established in New Jersey lakes. Trapped fish are brought back to the hatchery where eggs and milt are harvested and the breeder fish are then safely returned to the lake where they were trapped.
Star-Ledger videographer Andre Malok accompanied a crew from the hatchery on a netting operation and filmed the hatchery rearing operation, providing an inside look at the production cycle from lake through spawning to hatchery rearing ponds.
To view Andre's video, visit http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2010/05/spawning_warm_water_fish_speci.html on the NJ.com website; to learn more about the Hackettstown Hatchery and the fish it raises, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/hacktown.htm on the division's site.
June 27, 2010
Many visitors to the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife web site are familiar with the Peregrine Webcam which streams video from Jersey City. Fortunately there are another estimated 20 nests found throughout the state, from river bridges to coastal nesting platforms to the Palisades and beyond.
Star-Ledger videographer Andre Malok recently accompanied biologist Kathy Clark on banding day in Atlantic City. There, for the past 20 years, peregrines have been nesting on a ledge outside a Hilton Casino penthouse suite. His video provides a "bird's eye view" of the nest area, biologists at work, and the reactions of hotel staff.
To view Andre's video visit http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2010/06/peregrine_falcons_nesting_on_t.html on the NJ.com website. To learn about and view the Jersey City nestbox, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peregrinecam/index.html on the division's website.
June 27, 2010
The 2009 Horseshoe Crab Stock Assessment concluded that crab abundance in the Southeast and Delaware Bay Regions has increased, while abundance in the New York and New England Regions has decreased over the respective time series. Since the 2008 fishing season, New York and Massachusetts adjusted their state regulations to provide further protection to the horseshoe crab resource and maintain a sustainable fishery.
While horseshoe crab abundance in the Delaware Bay Region continues to rebuild, the red knot (rufa subspecies), one of many shorebird species that feed on horseshoe crab eggs, is at low population levels. Red knots have shown no sign of recovery despite a nearly 80 percent reduction in horseshoe crab landings since 1998. Technical advisors recommend continued precautionary management of the Delaware Bay horseshoe crab population.
The Board is scheduled to meet in August during the Commission's Summer Meeting to review public comment and consider taking final action on the Draft Addendum. Fishermen, shorebird advocacy groups, and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the Draft Addendum, either by attending public hearings or providing written comments. The Draft Addendum can be obtained via the Commission's website at
www.asmfc.org under Breaking News or by contacting the Commission at (202) 289-6400.
Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on July 29, 2010 and should be forwarded to Braddock Spear, Senior FMP Coordinator for Policy, 1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-6051 (FAX) or at
bspear@asmfc.org (Subject line: HSC Addendum VI).
*************************
Tina Berger, Public Affairs Specialist
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1444 I Street. NW, Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202)289-6400
FAX: (202)289-6051
Email:
tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org
June 11, 2010
Commissioner Aims to Protect Public Health and Shellfish Industry
NJ DEP Commissioner Bob Martin has banned research-related gardening of commercial shellfish species in coastal and inner harbor waters classified as contaminated, and also is seeking immediate removal of species now being grown in such waters. The goal is to protect the public health and the economic health of the state's nationally significant shellfish industry.
For complete details on the new rules visit on the DEP website
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2010/10_0053.htm
June 4, 2010
OUR EARTH, WHAT A GAS!
Professor Winklebottom's OUR EARTH, WHAT A GAS!
Friday, June 18, 2010 at 6:30 pm
At the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced a special program at the Pequest facility. This "new show" follows the adventures of Professor Winklebottom and Meatloaf at the next meeting of the "Science Club." The club examines the "bubble" of our atmosphere and the basics we need to survive in that bubble. The delicate cycles of the Carbon/Oxygen/Hydrogen exchange between the Plant and Animal Kingdoms are also examined. They then illustrate how wasted resources, litter and other pollution threaten that simple but delicate balance, and how trapping greenhouse gasses and warms the atmosphere. Learn simple ways we can all chip in to take care of our Earth.
This program is appropriate for families and organized groups. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For more information and to register call 908-637-4125. Funding for this program is made possible by Mansfield Township Clean Communities Program.
The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located in on Rt. 46 in Warren County. For directions visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqdirct.htm on the division's website.
June 4, 2010
States Schedule Hearings on Striped Bass Draft Addendum II
Public Comment Accepted Until October 1
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife July 22; 7:00 PM Toms River Township Clerk's Office L. Manuel Hirshblond Room, 33 Washington Street, Toms River, New Jersey
Contact: Brandon Muffley at (609) 748-2020
The Draft Addendum proposes two changes to the striped bass management program: (1) an increase in the coastal commercial quota, and (2) revising the definition of recruitment failure based on Technical Committee advice.
The proposal to increase the coastal commercial quota is intended to improve equality between the commercial and recreational fishery sectors. Although Amendment 6 established management programs for both fisheries based on the same target fishing mortality rate, the implementation of state-specific quotas for coastal commercial harvest (and not for recreational harvest) has prevented the commercial and recreational fisheries from responding equally to changes in striped bass population size. Since 2003, coastal commercial harvest has decreased by 3.6 percent, while recreational harvest has increased by 13.7 percent. Under the option, the Board would select a percent increase to be applied to the coastal commercial allocations assigned in Amendment 6.
The Management Board voted to include a second issue in the Draft Addendum based on information presented at the meeting. As part of its review of the juvenile abundance indices, the Striped Bass Technical Committee recommended to the Management Board a revision to how striped bass recruitment failure is defined. Juvenile abundance indices are an important component of the striped bass monitoring program and are used to determine periods of recruitment failure which can trigger management action under Amendment 6. Adopting the proposed recommendation would result in a fixed value to determine recruitment failure in each surveyed area rather than a value that changes from year to year. Use of either the Amendment 6 definition or the Technical Committee recommendation for recruitment failure does not result in any necessary changes to the current management program.
Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the Draft Addendum, either by attending public hearings or providing written comments. The Draft Addendum can be obtained via the Commission's website at www.asmfc.org under Breaking News or by contacting the Commission at (202) 289-6400. Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on October 1, 2010 and should be forwarded to Nichola Meserve, FMP Coordinator, 1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-6051 (FAX) or at nmeserve@asmfc.org (Subject line: Striped Bass Addendum II). For more information, please contact Nichola Meserve, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator at (202) 289-6400 or nmeserve@asmfc.org.
*************************
Tina Berger
Public Affairs Specialist
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1444 I Street. NW, Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202)289-6400
FAX: (202)289-6051
Email: tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org
ASMFC Vision: Healthy, self-sustaining populations for all Atlantic coast fish species or successful restoration well in progress by the year 2015.
June 4, 2010
Great Outdoors Month
There's no better time than now, Great Outdoors Month, to sample some of New Jersey's natural wonders - and launch a lifetime appreciation for the outdoors, especially for children. While New Jersey's state parks and forests make great destinations any time of year, the Department of Environmental Protection urges families to make a special effort to unplug from their indoor lifestyles and take part in the many special events being held this month during the state's "Get Outdoors, New Jersey!" campaign, held in conjunction with Great Outdoors Month.
For a listing of act ivities and events to help you enjoy the state's wealth of outdoor opportunities, visit http://www.getoutdoors.nj.gov/ on the DEP website
June 2, 2010
2010 Fish Consumption Advisories
1. 2010 Fish Smart, Eat Smart Advisory
2. 2007 Routine Monitoring Report
3. Complete Adivsory - Click on sites below.
Attached please find New Jersey's revised 2010 Fish Consumption Advisories.¡@ These new advisories are based on data received under Year 4 of the Routine Monitoring Program for Toxics in Fish (Monitoring Program) for the Atlantic Coastal Region (freshwater).¡@ The advisories and the final report by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia for this study have been posted on the Office of Science website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/njmainfish.htm or www.FishSmartEatSmartNJ.org.
The results of this study demonstrate that both mercury and PCB concentrations exceed advisory trigger levels in fish of the Atlantic Coastal Region.¡@ These data justify current as well as new advisories in the water bodies studied in this region.¡@¡@ Please contact the NJDEP, Office of Science if you have any questions
June 1, 2010
Record Red Hake (Ling) Caught Off Coast
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed that Billy Watson from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, has officially become a member of an elite fishing club by catching a new world record Red Hake. The 12 pound 13 ounce fish, also known as a Ling, was caught on February 20, 2010 approximately 20 miles ESE of Manasquan NJ. The fish measured 33 inches in length and had a girth of 19 inches.
Billy was bottom fishing at the Mud Hole on the Jamaica II with Captain Steve Spinelli when he hooked the big fish. Red hake are rarely known to attain weights exceeding 6 or 7 pounds, so this particular fish can truly be considered a monster hake.
For more about Billy's catch, including tackle details and information about red hake, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/rechake10.htm on the division's website. For information on the division's Record Fish Program, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm
June 1, 2010
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife wishes to correct a typographical error in the earlier announcement of the vessel deployment on the Townsends Inlet Reef scheduled for June 11, 2010.
The correct target location coordinates are 39 36.500' 074 36.300'.
The Townsends Inlet Reef is located 3.8 nautical miles southeast of Townsends Inlet in Cape May County. The vessel to be deployed is a 90-foot steel-hulled vessel.
We apologize for any confusion.
For more information on this as well as past deployments visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreefdeployment.htm on the division's website. for information on the Artificial Reef Program visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreef.htm .
May 26, 2010
NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
Artificial Reef Program Announcement
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that a 90-foot steel-hulled vessel is slated for deployment on the Townsends Inlet Reef on June 11, 2010 as part of the Division's Artificial Reef Program. The Townsends Inlet Reef is located 3.8 nautical miles southeast of Townsends Inlet in Cape May County.
The target location for the deployment on the reef will be: 39 036.500' 074 36.300'. Commercial fishers who have gear in this area must move it or risk having it destroyed.
The target date for deployment is subject to weather and sea conditions. For further information regarding the deployment of the vessel contact Hugh Carberry at 609-748-2022.
For information on past and planned deployments visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreefdeployment.htm on the division's website. for information on the Artificial Reef Program visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreef.htm .
May 24, 2010
The 2009-2010 Deer Harvest Summary Table
by Zone and Season
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2010/09-10_deer_totals.pdf
(PDF format)
May 24, 2010
Help Needed for NJ Wildlife Expo
This year the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife is hosting the NJ WILD EXPO, at Assunpink WMA. It is going to be held Sept. 28th and 29th. The Expo is designed to get people active in outdoor sports. On those two days a sporting clays range is going to be run along with other shotgun shooting opportunities and archery. I have been asked to compile a list of shooting ranges in NJ, both public and private. I would also like to include any clubs that hold weekly/monthly turkey shoots, sporting clays, five stand, etc¡K. to the list that would be open to the public. The idea of the list is to give individuals who enjoyed the shooting experiences on this day, an avenue to continue shooting in the future on their own.
Info that is need includes the following:
1. Club/Range name
2. Address
3. Dates the shoots are held
4. Time they start
5. Contact info. Email, phone number, web address if available
6. Any other specifics I may have left out
Please contact me at the following address:
Nathan Figley
Office: 856-629-0552
Fax: 856-629-5044
nathan.figley@dep.state.nj.us
Southern Region Office
220 Blue Anchor Rd
Sicklerville, NJ 08081
Any and all information regarding this issue will be more than welcome. Thanks in advance.
May 22, 2010
2010 Marine Digest Available Online
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the 2010 Marine Digest is available online in PDF and interactive Flash formats. The PDF version can be downloaded in its entirety and in smaller segments. The print version will begin arriving soon in coastal bait and tackle shops, marinas, sporting good stores, and marine supply stores.
Additionally, a PDF version of the 2010 Marine Recreational Minimum Size, Possession Limits and Seasons Summary Card is also available.
To view (and print) the Digest and/or summary card, or access the Flash version, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/digmar.htm on the division's website.
May 20, 2010
NOAA anounces 19% of the Gulf closed to Fishing, thusfar.
Roffs tm Deepwater Horizon Rig Oil Sprill Monitoring
Interesting website that tracks the oil spill in the gulf.
http://www.roffs.com/deepwaterhorizon.html
Thanks to Ed Goldman for this informatiom
May 14, 2010
NJ Fish and Game Council Meeting Highlights
May 11, 2010
Six members were present (Brummer, Burke, Messeroll, VanMater, Puskas and Vreeland). Acting Chairperson Vreeland called the meeting to order at the Assunpink Office. Notes: the Governor Christie has appointed Luis John Dughi, Jr. as the public member position of the Council. Mr. Dughi is a trial attorney and founding attorney with the law firm where the Governor got his start as a lawyer in 1987. Replacement of three sportsmen representatives and re-appointment of one sportsmen representative is in progress. Central Region sportsman representative Len Wolgast resigned in April.
Acting Chairwoman Vreeland reported that Rockport Game Farm has had three pheasant hatches to date and that construction of new brooder facilities and other improvements are proceeding. .
Director Chanda reported that staff is prepared for the hearing on the bear policy scheduled for the evening.
Deer Project Leader Kandoth presented results from the 2009-10 deer seasons. A total of 52,372 deer were taken in 2009 compared to 53,258 in 2008. The antlered buck kill increased by 3.5% and the antlerless kill decreased by 4.4%. Regulation changes made last year provided the desired result. The antlerless harvest for zones in regulation set "0" was reduced by 49.6% (1,132 to 570). The antlered buck kill in the same zones was up 16.6% (1,245 to 1,452). The increase in buck kill was not a result of the regulation change. Kandoth reported the bow kill by weapon type as follows: compound bows -73.6%, crossbows - 23.9% and primitive bows 1.3 %. Deer permit sales increased over the prior year. Division sent out 3,240 survey forms regarding APRs and results will be presented to the Council at the June meeting. Council requested that deer harvest results be put on the Division website.
Council approved the tentative migratory bird season¡¦s dates which are very similar to last year and are available on the Division website.
The Bureau of Wildlife Management¡¦s monthly report indicated that a total of 2,915 special coyote and fox permits were issued for the season (January 1 to March 15) and that only 7 coyotes had been harvested during this season. Most hunter killed coyotes are taken incidental to deer hunting. Total harvest mortality was 159 for the fiscal year. Four coyote road kills were also reported last month. A total of 199 beaver trapping permits were issued and 607 beaver were taken. A total of 106 otter permits were issued and 46 otter were taken. Trapper and firearm hunter surveys are currently underway.
Several Assembly and Senate bills were discussed. A2324 would provide discounted licenses for person 65 and older. A2377 would provide free licenses to military personnel and their immediate families. A2559 redefines the authority of the Council. A1844 would allow Sunday bow hunting on military reservation such as Fort Dix. A119 would authorize a Constitutional Amendment would designate lottery proceeds for conservation purposes. A823 (free saltwater registry) was passed and is in the Senate. S411 would provide free licenses for retired military.
Freshwater Fisheries Chief, Lisa Barno, reported that smallmouth bass were collected for brood stock and will be released in Union Lake and Lake Audrey. The herring run was good and more than 800 were netted at Batsto Lake dam and transferred into the lake. Division is working on providing Google map links to 417 waterways.
¡@
Law Enforcement highlights in the southern region (from report) involved illegal dumping, ATV use on WMAs, partying on WMAs, alcohol on WMAs, undersized and over the limit striped bass, undersized black fish, undersized clams, drug possession, possession of firearms by convicted felons (2), and illegal sale of sea scallops to the Pic-A-Lilly Inn (Rt. 206 Shamong Twp). Bureau Chief Cussins reported that CO Petruccelli had been named 2009 conservation office of the year by the NE Law Enforcement Chiefs and Safarri Club. CO Petruccelli works for the Marine Region Unit in the Cape May area.
Land Management, Chief Petrongolo reported that 412 acres had been added to the WMA system. Cape May Wetlands, Dennis Creek, Peaslee, Great Egg Harbor River and Tuckahoe had acreage added.
Information and Education, Chief Sciascia reported that fishing license sales were about the same as last year despite not having any radio promotions this year. Hunter Education course load was back at last year¡¦s level. An electronic bear hunting course is being developed in anticipation of a bear season this fall.
The June Council meeting was moved to June 25 to allow time for the comments on the bear policy to be summarized. Sportsmen are encouraged to submit written comments in support of the policy (and bear hunt) through June 18. The May 11, game committee meeting was re-scheduled to June 8 due to the scheduling of public hearing on the bear policy on the evening of May 11.
Public Hearing on the 2010 NJ Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan: Approximately 100 people spoke at the May 11 hearing scheduled from 6 to 10 pm at the State Museum in Trenton. Forty-five people had spoke in support of the plan and bear hunt through 9 pm. Anti-hunters verbally attacked the plan, professional staff and Council. Information on black bears, the policy and how to submit written comments are available on the Division website. Council and Commissioner Martin will consider the public comment and make a final decision on the policy in late June or July.
Respectfully Submitted: Dave Burke, Southern Region Councilman.
May 14, 2010
Free Fishing and Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits
for NJ Resident Veterans
Free fishing and hunting licenses, stamps and permits for NJ resident veterans with a service-connected disability have been available since 2000. The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife issues these licenses to eligible veterans after a certification process requiring proof of honorable discharge from any branch of the Armed Forces and who have been declared by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected disability of any degree.
Eligible veterans only need to apply once for disabled veteran certification. Only the division can approve certification; license agents are not authorized to do so. Once certified, free licenses, stamps and permits can be obtained from any license agent or via the division's license website. Regular license requirements (i.e. applicable hunter education course completion for hunting licenses, etc.) apply.
Certification can be completed at three division offices (no license agents) or via the mail.
For more information, including a link to a mail-in application form, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/dvinfo.htm on the division's website. Please be sure all required documentation listed on the application is provided to avoid processing delays.
May 14, 2010
New Jersey Students Win 2010 StateFish Art Contest
Youth Artists Will Be Honored at State Fish Art Expo
July 16th & 17th.
BROOKLYN CENTER, MN - Wildlife Forever is proud to announce the New Jersey winners of the 2010 StateFish Art Contest. A distinguished panel of wildlife artists and honorary judges selected the following winners for their outstanding artwork:
Grades 4-6: Qing Yu Meng - Voorhees, NJ
Grades 7-9: Lucy Wang - Holmdel, NJ
Grades 10-12: DingYany Lin - Edison, NJ
"Wildlife Forever is pleased to honor the talented young artists, educators and parents who make the StateFish Art Contest such a successful program," said Douglas H. Grann, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever. "Together, we are using art to empower a new generation of conservationists. By sharing their fish art with family, friends and the general public, our young people are becoming ambassadors for good stewardship of fish and wildlife habitat."
The winning entries from each state can be seen at:
www.statefishart.com and also at:
www.facebook.com/StateFishArtContest. Each state's winners will have the opportunity to join talented young artists from across the country at the StateFish Art Expo July 16 th and 17 th at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. All winning artwork will be on display and an awards ceremony will recognize the winners before a large crowd. Each winning artist who attends the Expo will receive great prizes, goodie bags, and fishing supplies from Rapala.
National awards to be announced at the StateFish Art Expo include 'Best of Show' honors for the top three pieces of artwork in each grade category from across the United States. The national "Best of Show" winner in grades 10-12 will receive a $2,500 scholarship to The Art Institutes International Minnesota. The first runnerup in grades 10-12 will also receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college.
The People's Choice Award will be determined by a worldwide public online vote at the StateFish Art Contest fan page on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/StateFishArtContest. Online voting will begin on May 17 th and conclude on July 5 th with additional votes collected in person at the StateFish Art Expo.
One outstanding piece of artwork will win the 'Art of Conservation' Stamp Award and be reproduced as a conservation stamp. Proceeds from the stamp will be used to fund the StateFish Art Contest and children's outdoor education.
About the StateFish Art Contest
To enter the Wildlife Forever StateFish Art Contest, young artists create an illustration of any official statefish and a written composition on its behavior, habitat, and efforts to conserve it. Entries are categorized in three grade levels: 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12.
Educators nationwide have utilized the fullcolor interactive StateFish Art Contest Lesson Plan, an interdisciplinary educational supplement available online (
www.statefishart.info) and on CD. More information can be found at: www.statefishart.com.
About Wildlife Forever
Located in Brooklyn Center, MN, Wildlife Forever is a nonprofit multispecies conservation organization dedicated to conserving America's wildlife heritage. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to "on the ground" efforts. Wildlife Forever supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research, and management of fish and wildlife populations.
Sponsors for Wildlife Forever's StateFish Art Contest include The Art Institutes International Minnesota, North American Fishing Club, Rapala, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service Eastern Region and Blick Art Materials.
Contact: Pete Wuebker at (763) 253-0222
or
pwuebker@wildlifeforever.org.
Digital copies of artwork are available upon request.
May 14, 2010
ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Board Expands Recreational Black Sea Bass Season
Alexandria, VA - The Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board has modified the 2010 season length for the black sea bass recreational fishery. The season will now run from May 22 to October 11, 2010 and from November 1 to December 31, 2010.
The season represents an extension from what was originally planned. When the original season was developed, the Board only had 2009 harvest estimates for January through June. Harvest estimates for July through December 2009 were projected using previous years' data to calculate a total harvest estimate. Based on these preliminary projections, the original season was developed with the intent of reducing recreational harvest by 44% from 2009 levels.
Final 2009 harvest estimates were made available at the end of April. The estimate indicates that harvest is less than previously projected and only a 21.4% reduction is required for the 2010 recreational season. The newly approved season is anticipated to achieve a 26% reduction and allows for a reasonable conservation buffer to account for uncertainty in the harvest estimates and the effectiveness of regulations. The season was further expanded into November and December to allow for increased access by party/charter boats and private boat/shore-based anglers that did not have a late fall/early winter season last year.
For more information, please contact Toni Kerns, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator for management, at
tkerns@asmfc.org or (202) 289-6400.
*************************
Tina Berger
Public Affairs Specialist
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1444 I Street. NW, Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202)289-6400
FAX: (202)289-6051
Email:
tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org
May 14, 2010
ASMFC Striped Bass Board Approves Draft
Addendum II for Public Comment
Alexandria, VA - The Commission's Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board has approved Draft Addendum II to Amendment 6 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass for public comment. The Draft Addendum proposes two changes to the striped bass management program: (1) an increase in the coastal commercial quota, and (2) revising the definition of recruitment failure based on Technical Committee advice.
The proposal to increase the coastal commercial quota is intended to improve equality between the commercial and recreational fishery sectors. Although Amendment 6 established management programs for both fisheries based on the same target fishing mortality rate, the implementation of state-specific quotas for coastal commercial harvest (and not for recreational harvest) has prevented the commercial and recreational fisheries from responding equally to changes in striped bass population size. Since 2004, coastal commercial harvest has decreased by 3.6 percent, while recreational harvest has increased by 13.7 percent. Under the option, the Board would select a percent increase to be applied to the coastal commercial allocations assigned in Amendment 6.
The Management Board voted to include a second issue in the Draft Addendum based on information presented at the meeting. As part of its review of the juvenile abundance indices, the Striped Bass Technical Committee recommended to the Management Board a revision to how striped bass recruitment failure is defined. Juvenile abundance indices are an important component of the striped bass monitoring program and are used to determine periods of recruitment failure which can trigger management action under Amendment 6. Adopting the proposed recommendation would result in a fixed value to determine recruitment failure in each surveyed area rather than a value that changes from year to year. Use of either the Amendment 6 definition or the Technical Committee recommendation for recruitment failure does not result in any necessary changes to the current management program.
It is anticipated that the majority of states will be conducting public hearings on the Draft Addendum. A press release will be issued once the details of the hearings have been finalized and the Draft Addendum is available for public comment. For more information, please contact Nichola Meserve, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator at (202) 289-6400 or
nmeserve@asmfc.org.
*************************
Tina Berger
Public Affairs Specialist
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1444 I Street. NW, Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202)289-6400
FAX: (202)289-6051
Email:
tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org
May 8, 2010
Urgent! Send in Your Black Bear Comments
Supporting the Bear Hunt
Please send an electronic comment to the DFW supporting the bear hunt
and the Black Bear Management Plan. Go to the DFW web site and under
Black Bear Management Policy go to
to fill out the required info and send the comment in via email as
instructed on the form.
Please do it today!
May 8, 2010
Copy of News Release from NJ DEP Commissioner Bob Martin on Black Bears
Below is the text of a news release from NJ DEP Commissioner Bob Martin regarding steps residents can take to reduce the risk of bad encounters with bears. The release is on the DEP website at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2010/10_0033.htm .
With black bears now entering their most active period of the year as they search for food and mates, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin today urged residents to follow some simple precautions to reduce the risk of bad encounters with bruins.
"A black bear seen in a residential area should not be considered a problem, as long as it is behaving normally and not posing a threat," Commissioner Martin said. "However, bears that learn to associate food with people can become habituated to easy sources of food and become a nuisance as they forage for more. So the best thing to do is to not give bears the opportunity to equate you or your property with food.
"Naturally you should never feed a bear," Commissioner Martin said. "But the most common problem is bears feeding on garbage. Properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from looking at your property as a food source."
Feeding a bear is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per offense.
The proposed New Jersey Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy developed by the state's Fish and Game Council and approved by Commissioner Martin emphasizes managing black bears through research and monitoring, non-lethal and lethal control of problem bears, public education on co-existing with bears, law enforcement to reduce conflicts between bears and people, and a controlled hunt.
Commissioner Martin offers the following tips to avoid conflicts with bears:
* Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
* Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
* Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
* Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
* Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue to minimize odors. Store grills securely.
* Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
* Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
* Properly installed electric fencing is an effective way of protecting crops, beehives and livestock.
* If you encounter a bear remain calm and do not run. Make sure the bear has an escape route. Avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak with a low, assertive voice.
* Black bear attacks are extremely rare. Should a black bear attack, fight back. Do not play dead.
Report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the Wildlife Control Unit of the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793. During evenings and weekends, residents should call their local police department or the DEP Hotline at (877) WARN-DEP.
To learn more about New Jersey's black bears and ways to avoid problems with them, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearinfo.htm .
May 8, 2010
Farrington Lake 8th Annual Environmental Cleanup
Can You Help?
Dear Friends,
Thanks to all of those who helped with the Farrington Lake 8th Annual Environmental Cleanup last Saturday in East Brunswick, we had a successful day and picked up a large amount of trash and recyclables.
We now have the second stage of that cleanup this¡@Saturday, May 8th, from 9AM to 12 Noon, when we will be cleaning up the Farrington Lake Area in North Brunswick Farrington Lake Park. ¡@Registration at the Park from 8:30AM.¡@
We really could use your help for this event.¡@¡@There is a lot of trash to be picked up and remember, this is a¡@once a year effort¡@around Farrington Lake.¡@¡@This event is very important for the health of the Lawrence Brook.
¡@To reach the Park,¡@take Route 130 north to Farrington Boulevard and drive to the end of the boulevard. ¡@Farrington Boulevard is approx. 1/2 mile south of the junction of Route 130 with Route 1. ¡@We will be located at the Park, next to the Parking Lot. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer and please invite other individuals and groups.
Please wear suitable clothing to protect your legs and arms. ¡@¡@Refreshments will be provided.¡@
Regards, Alan S. Godber,
Pres. LBWP.
May 7, 2010
Federation Needs Your Help - Poll Your Clubs
All counties are reminded to poll their clubs as to whether to support the division's proposal to change the bag limit on striped bass as discussed at our April meeting. There will be a vote on this proposal at Federation's May's meeting.
May 7, 2010
Vessel Deployment Slated for the Axel Carlson Reef May 7
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that a 68-foot steel-hulled vessel is slated for deployment on the Axel Carlson on May 7, 2010 as part of the division's Artificial Reef Program. The Axel Carlson Reef is located 4.4 nautical miles southeast of Manasquan Inlet in Monmouth County.
The target location for the deployment is 40 03.450' 073 59.350'. Commercial fishers who have gear in this area must move it or risk having it destroyed.
The target date for deployment is subject to weather and sea conditions. For further information regarding the deployment of the vessel contact Hugh Carberry at 609-748-2022.
For information on past and planned deployments visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreefdeployment.htm on the division's website. for information on the Artificial Reef Program visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreef.htm
May 7, 2010
Wildlife Rehabilitators
What do they do! Check It Out
New Jersey has a number of volunteers, known as wildlife rehabilitators, who can answer questions and if necessary, properly care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. These volunteers are licensed by the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife and donate their time and do not charge for their services. They treat and care for wild animals until they can, hopefully, be released back into the wild.
For more information on the state's rehabilitators, as well as links for contacting them and learning more, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artrehab10.htm on the division's website.
May 7, 2010
Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) Grants
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced the opening of the application period for landowners to apply for grants through the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP).
Since 2005, the division has administered LIP through its Endangered and NongameSpecies Program and worked with dozens of private landowners from around the state to manage and restore habitat for threatened and endangered species on their property. This is a competitive program where the projects that provide the highest potential for our target targeted species are funded.
For more details on the program, as well as application information, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/lip_prog.htm on the division's website.
April 27, 2010
2010 Reef News Edition is now Available!
The 2010 edition of Reef News is now available on the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
Reef News highlights the activities and accomplishments of the NJ Artificial Reef Program and includes information on vessel deployments, reef statistics and locations, species profiles, a reef evaluation survey and much more.
To learn more about the Artificial Reef Program and to view and print Reef News visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreef.htm on the division's website.
April 14, 2010
GOOD NEWS FOR RIVER HERRING .......................
Last US sardine cans being packed in US.
By CLARKE CANFIELD, Associated Press Writer Clarke Canfield, Associated Press Writer
PROSPECT HARBOR, Maine ¡V The intensely fishy smell of herring has been the smell of money for generations of workers in Maine who have snipped, sliced and packed the small, silvery fish into billions of cans of sardines on their way to Americans' lunch buckets and kitchen cabinets.
For the past 135 years, sardine canneries have been as much a part of Maine's small coastal villages as the thick Down East fog. It's been estimated that more than 400 canneries have come and gone along the state's long, jagged coast.
The lone survivor, the Stinson Seafood plant here in this eastern Maine shoreside town, shuts down this week after a century in operation. It is the last sardine cannery not just in Maine, but in the United States.
Lela Anderson, 78, has worked in sardine canneries since the 1940s and was among the fastest in sardine-packing contests that were held back in the day. Her packing days are over; now she's a quality-control inspector looking over the bite-sized morsels in can after can that passes by her.
"It just doesn't seem possible this is the end," Anderson lamented last week while taking a break at the plant where she's worked for 54 years. She and nearly 130 co-workers will lose their jobs.
Once considered an imported delicacy, sardines now have a humble reputation. They aren't one species of fish. Instead, sardines are any of dozens of small, oily, cold-water fish that are part of the herring family that are sold in tightly packed cans.
The first U.S. sardine cannery opened in Maine in 1875, when a New York businessman set up the Eagle Preserved Fish Co. in Eastport.
Dozens of plants soon popped up, sounding loud horns and whistles to alert local workers when a boat came in with its catch from the herring-rich ocean waters off Maine. By 1900 there were 75 canneries, where knife-wielding men, women and young children expertly sliced off heads and tails and removed innards before packing them tight into sardine tins.
These days most of the canning is automated and the fish are cut with machines, though still packed by hand. The Stinson packers are all women because they are thought to have stronger backs and better dexterity than men, according to plant manager Peter Colson.
Inside the spacious Stinson plant, dozens of workers in hairnets, aprons and gloves sort, pack and cook the herring that stream along flumes and conveyors. The fish are blanched in a 208-degree steamer for 12 minutes and later, cooked in sealed cans at about 250 degrees for 35 minutes.
Ear plugs muffle the cacophony of clanking cans, rattling conveyor belts, rumbling motors and hissing steam. A fishy smell hangs in the air. Outside, a billboard-sized sign of a fisherman in yellow oilskins holding an oversized can of Beach Cliff sardines, the plant's primary product, serves as reminder of Maine's long sardine history.
Colson has been in the sardine business for 38 years. He got his first job as a youngster at another cannery, an hour's drive away, where his father was the manager.
"This is it. We don't have any more," Colson said as he watched workers swiftly pack cans in assembly line fashion. "It's not easy seeing this go."
Production at Maine canneries has been sliding since peaking at 384 million cans in 1950. Faced with declining demand and a changing business climate, the plants went by the wayside one by one until, five years ago, the Stinson plant was the last one standing. Last year it produced 30 million cans.
Still, it came as a surprise to employees when Bumble Bee Foods LLC ¡X which has owned the facility since 2004 ¡X announced in February that the plant would close because of steep cuts in the amount of herring fishermen are allowed to catch in the Northeast. The New England Fishery Management Council set this year's herring quota at 91,000 metric tons ¡X down from 180,000 tons in 2004 ¡X because of the uncertain scientific outlook of the region's herring population.
Shortages have forced San Diego-based Bumble Bee to truck in much of the herring needed at the Maine plant from its other cannery in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick, and from herring suppliers as far away as New Jersey.
Even without the quota cuts, the plant was under pressure from shrinking consumer demand, increased foreign competition from countries with lower labor costs ¡X primarily from China and Thailand ¡X and thin margins and low prices on the retail market.
Sardines at one time were an inexpensive staple for many Americans who packed them into their lunchboxes and enjoyed a can or two ¡X or perhaps a sardine sandwich ¡X for lunch. The fish ¡X usually packed in oil or in sauces such as mustard, hot sauce, tomato or green chilies ¡X can still be had at supermarkets for a little over $1 a can, but they're not in too many lunch pails these days.
Ronnie Peabody, who runs the Maine Coast Sardine History Museum in the town of Jonesport 35 miles up the road from the Stinson plant, has a cookbook published in 1950 called "58 Ways to Serve Sardines." It includes recipes for sardine soup, sardine casserole, baked eggs and sardines, and creamed sardines and spinach.
Sardine consumption began falling decades ago, he said, after canned tuna came on the market and Americans' tastes changed. The closing of the last U.S. cannery is the end of an era, he said.
"It's like reading an obituary in the paper," he said. "It's really sad, but what can you do?"
When the last sardine can is packed on Thursday, plant workers say it'll be like a family being split up.
Many of the employees have worked together for decades. Anderson, a tiny woman with strong hands and a strong back from years of packing small fish pieces into cans, said she'll be leaving behind close friends when the plant closes.
But she won't much miss the sardines, which she doesn't eat.
"I'm not saying I hate them," she said, "I'm just saying I'm not a big eater of them."
Talks are in the works to sell the plant to another company to process lobster or other seafoods. Bumble Bee has invested more than $11 million in the plant in recent years, and there's a work force at the ready.
Bumble Bee operates one of the last two U.S. clam canneries, in Cape May, N.J., and of the last two domestic tuna canneries, in California. But the days of sardine canning in the U.S. are probably gone, said Chris Lischewski, Bumble Bee's president and CEO.
"I would never say never, but I'd say it's pretty unlikely," Lischewski said in a phone interview from California.
In Monterey, Calif., a group of self-described "sardinistas" has taken on the task of trying to get Americans to eat more sardines. It was in Monterey where sardine canneries were made famous in John Steinbeck's 1945 novel, "Cannery Row," about the misfits and outcasts on a street lined with sardine canneries.
The group is formulating a business plan in hopes of returning "the lowly sardine to the American palate," said Mike Sutton, a vice president at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, who says sardines ¡X high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, low in contaminants ¡X are among the healthiest seafoods around.
But not canned sardines. Sutton's group wants to promote fresh sardines sold at white-tablecloth restaurants or in foil packs or in prepared foods at retail stores, much the way tuna and salmon are now sold.
"We recognize the American public turns their noses up at sardines," Sutton said. "It may be a challenge and it may be insurmountable, but our motto is 'It's not your grandfather's sardine.'"
April 9, 2010
Rule Proposal for Atlantic Coastal Sharks
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is proposing amendments to N.J.A.C. 7:25-18 (Marine Fisheries) related to fisheries for Atlantic coastal sharks and smooth dogfish. The proposed amendments are necessary to comply with management measures mandated under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Coastal Sharks, which inlcudes smooth dogfish.
States included within the area covered by the ASMFC Management Plan for Atlantic Coastal Sharks are required to have recreational and commercial fisheries management measures, which are consistent with the plan. If the state does not maintain consistency, a Federally mandated moratorium may be imposed on the state's recreational and commercial shark fisheries.
The proposal was scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Register on April 5, 2010. Written comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted through June 4, 2010. There will be a public hearing on the proposed amendments following the Marine Fisheries Council meeting on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. at the Galloway Township Public Library on 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Absecon.
A copy of the proposed amendments is currently available from the DEP's website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/notices/040510a.html and from LexisNexis Customer Service at (800) 223-1944 or www.lexisnexis.com/bookstore . Please be advised there may be a fee for obtaining a full copy of the proposal from some sources.
March 31, 2010
New Regulations for the Recreational and Commercial Harvest of Black Sea Bass, Summer Flounder, and Weakfish
The NJ DEP has announced new regulations for the recreational and commercial harvest of black sea bass, summer flounder, and weakfish became effective in New Jersey on March 25, 2010. New Jersey's adoption of the regulations was necessary to remain in compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) Interstate Fishery Management Plans (FMP) for these species.
The regulation changes include a reduction in the recreational black sea bass season, a minor change in the summer flounder recreational season and a recreational and commercial possession limit reduction for weakfish.
For more information on the changes, including season dates and size limits, Click here
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/marreg_changes.htm on the division's web site.
March 29, 2010
NOAA Annouced a $10 Million Program to Preseve Fishing
NOAA announced today an additional $10 million to preserve fishing opportunities for the New England fishing industry and continue the development of a new catch share program in the groundfish fishery. Over the last two years, a total of $47.2 million has been committed to the groundfish fishery and the transition to sectors. Of the $10 million that was provided by Congress, $5 million will go directly to the commonwealth of Massachusetts and the states Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine to set up permit banks. A permit bank is a collection of fishing permits purchased and held by an organization to provide access rights such as days-at-sea and annual catch shares for qualifying fishing vessels.
"By working together with the states, we hope to provide the small fishing vessels and small, local communities with increased access to capital, so they can more effectively fish healthy stocks," said Eric Schwaab, NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA¡¦s Fisheries Service.Permit banks are expected to provide owners of fishing vessels with limited or no groundfish fishing history an opportunity to lease additional fishing days or allocation at a reasonable cost. This will make it much more economically viable for small fishing vessels and local communities to remain a vital part of New England fisheries.
The $10 million from Congress also includes $546,000 in direct aid for fishing sector managers and vessel operators, adding to the $954,000 already allocated to offset sector startup and operational costs in 2009 and 2010.
In addition, the $10 million includes nearly $4 million for dockside and at-sea monitoring, which will create jobs for monitors and observers in local communities. Finally, $485,000 will go to NOAA¡¦s Fisheries Service for infrastructure and programmatic support.
March 22, 2010
Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy Approved
(10/P16) TRENTON - New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Bob Martin today approved the New Jersey Fish and Game Council's 2010 Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy.
"The Council incorporated the latest research and science into its proposed black bear management policy that shows the population is sustainable and growing," Acting Commissioner Martin said. "This growth coincides with an increase in serious bear incidents supporting the need for population control in addition to continued nonlethal management tools including public education and outreach."
The DEP also supports legislation that would increase penalties for people who feed black bears and draw the animals into populated areas.
The most recent black bear population estimate for the portion of New Jersey north of I-80 is approximately 3,400 based on a 2009 DNA study by East Stroudsburg University. The bear population in this area has increased to its current level from an estimate of 500 bears in 1992.¡@
Category I bear incidents, involving black bears exhibiting behavior that is an immediate threat to human safety, or those causing agricultural damage to farmland or property damage over $500, have increased 96 percent from 2006 to 2009.¡@ Category I, II and III incidents combined have increased by 130 percent during the same time period.
The Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy's integrated approach to managing black bears includes research and monitoring, non-lethal and lethal control of problem bears, public education on coexisting with bears, law enforcement to reduce conflicts between bears and people, and a controlled hunt.
Over the past 10 years, bear education programs have been presented by the DEP to more than 100,000 people, and more than 3 million pieces of bear education literature have been distributed. This year 31 bear education programs and outreach efforts have been conducted with an additional 21 programs scheduled.
DEP Conservation Officers inspected more than 4,600 residential properties in high bear incident areas and found 98 percent were in compliance with black bear garbage management guidelines. This spring, Conservation Officers will focus enforcement efforts and education outreach on commercial properties in high bear incident areas.
In 2005, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that the Council may authorize a black bear hunt only if a hunt is consistent with a comprehensive black bear management policy developed by the Council and approved by the Commissioner.¡@ In 2007, the New Jersey Appellate Division required that any comprehensive black bear management policy be adopted in accordance with the New Jersey Administrative Procedure Act.
The proposed plan will now be submitted to the Office of Administrative Law for publication in the April 19 New Jersey Register.¡@ Following publication, the public will have 60 days to comment on the proposed policy in writing, and will also have the opportunity to comment during a public hearing on May 11 at 6 p.m., New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State St., Trenton, NJ 08625.
To review the Fish and Game Council's proposed Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy, visit: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearpolicy10.htm
March 22, 2010
Coastal Shark Decision Extended to July 30, 2010
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildife has received notice that the federal government has agreed to give New Jersey until July 30 to implement regulations necessary to avoid a shark fishing moratorium. The state faced the moratorium this season due to non-compliance with regulations required in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Atlantic Coastal Sharks Interstate Fishery Management Plan.
For more information, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/shark_extension.htm on the division's web site.
March 22, 2010
Trout in the Classroom Trainings Offered
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has scheduled two training sessions for teachers who plan on starting a Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program in their school for 2010, or are interested in learning more about the program itself. The sessions will be held at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford on April 20 and June 3, each beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Trout in the Classroom is an exciting science-based program that teaches children about the importance of coldwater conservation through a hands-on approach to learning.
Schools across New Jersey receive brook trout eggs in mid-October from the Pequest State Trout Hatchery, which they hatch and raise. During that time the students monitor the water quality, learn fish biology, anatomy and much more as part of a cross-curricular, hands-on format. At the end of the school year, the fish are released into approved trout streams.
A TIC Activity Guide is also included with the program, and is correlated to NJ State Science Core Curriculum Standards at the middle school level. Because of the TIC program's adaptability however, classes ranging from Kindergarten through college levels participate in the program. More than 14,000 students throughout New Jersey enjoy participating in the Trout in the Classroom program annually.
If you would like to get involved with TIC in your classroom for the 2010 - 2011 school year - this is the time! The program does not cost a lot to initiate or to maintain - approximately $1,200.00 is needed to purchase necessary equipment - and maintenance costs average approximately $50.00 a year after startup. Tanks must be set up and running by the middle of September, so schools interested in participating in the upcoming school year need to start planning now.
For more information about the program or to register for a training session, please contact NJ Trout in the Classroom Coordinator Jessica Griglak at (908)-637-4125 or by email at
jessica.griglak@dep.state.nj.us.
Additional information about the TIC program in New Jersey can be found by visiting http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/tic.htm on the division's web site.
March 17, 2010
For Immediate Release:¡@¡@¡@
March 15, 2010
Contact:¡@ Elaine Makatura (609) 292-2994
DEP ACTING COMMISSIONER TESTIFIES BEFORE THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
(10/P15)¡@ TRENTON - New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Bob Martin delivered the following testimony at his confirmation hearing today before the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee:
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee:
I want to thank you for having me here today to discuss my candidacy to be the next Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. I thank all the members of the committee who took the time to meet with me either in person or by phone. I want to also thank Governor Christie for his confidence in nominating me for this distinguished position.
I am very excited about taking on this position*and if confirmed, I will work to advance DEP's core mission of protecting and preserving the environment of NJ. At the same time I will help the DEP fulfill its role in growing the economy of this state.
I am personally committed to ensuring that the DEP protects our water, air, ocean, natural resources and beaches, and that we rapidly clean up contaminated sites and ensure we have plenty of open space for future generations.
I bring an extensive array of skills and experience to help protect the environment and natural resources of the state, while significantly improving the operation and performance of the DEP.¡@ DEP desperately needs leadership, management and direction*.and I will bring them that. DEP also needs continuous operational improvements and more technology to be an effective organization to get permits processed quickly, inspections done more timely and to bring predictability and efficiency to all its programs. I bring over 25 years of experience consulting to numerous types of businesses and industries. Most of my consulting work has been in the utility and energy industry.¡@ I have extensive experience in all aspects of business and management consulting, including business strategy & planning, business transformation & re-engineering, IT strategy, systems implementation and change management. I have a pragmatic style and I'm focused on results. I'm also focused on communications!
, transparency and have a willingness to listen to all points of view.
While my resume in strong on management skills, my knowledge of environmental issues and policy is also quite strong. While I was not an environmental consultant, my 25 years in the utility and energy industry gave me extensive knowledge of air, water and land use issues.¡@ In addition, I have extensive experience bringing together differing points of view and stakeholder groups toward resolving complex issues. Taken together, I firmly believe my managerial skills within a large international organization and my extensive involvement with environmental issues have prepared me well to lead the DEP.¡@
I was also the primary advisor to Governor Christie for both his Environmental policy and Green Energy policy.¡@ These policies included growing "Green Industries and Jobs" significantly, including building Wind Turbines and Solar panels manufacturing facilities here in NJ, while leveraging the State's outstanding port facilities, protecting NJ's clean water, protecting our shores, beaches and ocean, and working to ensure Environmental Justice in all our communities.
I take my responsibilities as Acting Commissioner very seriously and, if confirmed will continue to do so throughout my tenure at DEP.¡@ I will enforce the environmental laws of this state to protect the health and safety of all our citizens. At the same time, we must change the way DEP operates.
DEP is broken and needs to be fixed.¡@ I have spoken to most of you on the Judiciary Committee and most of you have shared your "DEP stories"*stories of your challenges and your constituents' frustrations in dealing with DEP.¡@ We must and we will make dramatic changes to how we fundamentally do business at the DEP. I reject the premise that we must choose between a healthy environment and a vibrant economy.¡@ We can have both with the right leadership and our resolve to changing the old paradigm.
While I have learned a lot over the past 8 weeks at DEP, I recognize I still have a very steep learning curve to get over*.and I'm eager to learn and work with the members of the legislature and the committees that deal with issues affecting our department.
My commitment to all of you in the legislature and the DEP stakeholders, including the environmental community and the business community, is that while we may not always agree*I will always listen and my door is always open.
I look forward with working with all of you over the next four years and addressing your questions here this afternoon.
Thank you.
March 9, 2010
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:¡@¡@¡@
STATEMENT OF DEP ACTING COMMISSIONER ON THE NJ FISH AND GAME COUNCIL'S PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE BEAR MANAGEMENT POLICY
(10/P11) TRENTON - New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Bob Martin today released the following statement on the New Jersey Fish and Game Council's vote to advance its proposed Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy:
"In recent weeks, I have met with Council members to discuss a range of black bear issues and the need for a multi-faceted management strategy that is based on solid science and the latest research. I intend to scrutinize this proposed policy to make sure it provides the best possible solutions to the considerable challenge of managing this valued wildlife resource in the nation's most densely populated state."
A New Jersey Superior Court ruling in 2007 requires the DEP Commissioner to approve the Council's policy before it is submitted for adoption in accordance with the New Jersey Administrative Procedure Act.
The Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy's integrated approach to managing black bears includes research and monitoring, non-lethal and lethal control of problem bears, public education on coexisting with bears, law enforcement to reduce conflicts between bears and people, and a controlled hunt.
To review the Fish and Game Council's proposed Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy, visit: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearpolicy10.htm
March 1, 2010
Q and A of the Calendar of Events
Hi Jim and Ed
First, I want to thank you for the great job you are doing with the Federation. The web page is great. One problem I have and you have no control of is different clubs and organizations scheduling events on the same day.
Examples:
Feb 24 - Salt Water Fishing Rally Wash. D.C., NJOA Southern Region Meeting¡@ and the Waterfowl Meeting, all on the same day
March 13 - Camden County's Annual¡@Dinner and the NJQP Work-Day, all on the same Day
March 20 - Square Circle Venison Dinner and the NJOA Forum at Batsto on the same day.
Maybe you both have a solution. I think it should be brought up at the State Meeting.
Bill Schemel, Camden County President, Southern Region Vice President
*******************************************
Dear Bill,
This is what the Calendar of Events Schedule is all about. It¡¦s a tool for all clubs, counties, regions and the state to use to manage and schedule events in the most productive manor. The problem is the tools are not being used in the way they should to be most effective to everyone. Here is my simple version of what it should look like.
**********************************************
The Calendar of Events is a tool for maximizing planning, scheduling, and managing your events for clubs, counties, regions, and the state federation.
Any good mechanic knows; 1st determine what is the problem: 2nd define what is the fix; 3rd design how you wish to approach it; and 4th chose what tools it will take to do the job quickly and efficiently.
1. An event is generally to raise money for a project or to increase membership.
2. The question is, how much money do you need or how many members do you want?
3. The event is designed to address the questions above and to produce the results needed to achieve it. e.g. The more money needed, the bigger the event or the more events needed.
4. What type of event you choose is the "Million Dollar Question," and is generally the biggest decision.
5. Who are you expecting to come to your event: your club, your county, your region or the whole federation? Perhaps you wish go beyond the federation and into the general public. These questions all need to be addressed and will affect the choice of the event.
6. Getting the help to organize it and to run the event is the next hardest thing to do, the rest is easy!
Note: Getting the players is easy; getting them to play together is hard part. Casey Stangel.
7. Draft an event, choose three dates, use only the first and place it on the calendar of events for six months to a year before the event. Use the first date and list it as a tentative date.
8. Watch the Calendar of Events for three to six months and see if anything interferers with it.
9. If nothing interferes with it, do it! If something does interfere, you need to make a decision. Change to the second or third choice of dates, decide on a new date or cancel it.
10. Whatever you choose, the Calendar of Events is an important tool in the beginning, in the middle and in the final moments of your event planning decisions. It is your major advertising tool!
I may not be telling you anything new or what you may already know, but I am placing it in a written document format for your planning booklet. It¡¦s just another tool for your tool box. Many tools just sit in the box waiting for the time when you need it the most. This is one of those tools.
Your Tool Box?
1. Planning
2. Scheduling
3. Decisions
4. Documentation
5. Manpower
6. Advertising
a. Word of Mouth
b. Flyers
c. Calendar of Events (Web Site)
d. Newspaper Ads
e. Other
7. Implementation ¡V Do it!
8. Assessment ¡V How did we do, what went right, what went wrong, and what can be changed to improve it for the next time?
9. Keep the documents for the record. This way you do not need to reinvent the wheel ever time you have an event.
Generally the Web Site and the Newspapers will reach out the furthest in the form of advertising.
Jim Soden, Web Site Coordinator¡@
February 25, 2010
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife Advisory!
Most NJ Saltwater Fishermen Need To Register with NOAA
With the annual spawning runs of popular recreational species such as striped bass, shad and river herring just weeks away, the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is reminding anglers that under a new federal law, most New Jersey saltwater recreational fishermen are now required to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry before they go fishing. The Saltwater Angler Registry is part of an improved data program to help protect the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.
As of January 1, 2010, New Jersey fishermen must be registered if they:
* Fish for or catch anadromous species in tidal and salt waters; these are fish like river herring, shad or striped bass that live in the oceans but spawn in fresh water, OR
* Fish in the Federal waters more than three miles from the ocean shore or from the mouths of rivers or bays, OR
* Don't meet any of the exceptions in the law.
Those exceptions include anglers who*
* ...are under the age of 16.
* ...have a currently valid saltwater license from another state whose license meets the criteria of the Angler Registry.
* ...already registered with NOAA in 2010 to fish saltwater in another state.
* ...only fish on vessels that are holders of for-hire (or charter boat and party boat) permits issued by NOAA Fisheries.
* ...hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling permit.
* ...are fishing commercially under a valid license.
Registration is quick and easy and is free in 2010. Anglers simply need to log on to http://www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov/ and click on the Angler Registry link, or call the toll-free registration line at 1-888-MRIP411 (1-888-674-7411). Anglers will need to provide their name, date of birth, address and telephone number, and will receive a registration number that will allow them to begin fishing immediately.
After approximately 30 days, registrants will receive a registration card in the mail. Registration is valid for one year from the date of registration and anglers who do not meet any of the exceptions in the law must register annually.
The registry is an important tool that will help fishermen and policy makers work together to better account for the contributions and impacts of saltwater anglers on ocean ecosystems and coastal economies. It is part of a national overhaul of the way NOAA collects and reports recreational fishing data.
The goal of the initiative - known as the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP - is to provide the most accurate information possible that can be used to determine the health of fish stocks. Reliable, universally trusted data will in turn aid anglers, fisheries managers and other stakeholders in their combined efforts to effectively and fairly set the rules that will ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.
For more information, visit http://www.CountMyFish.noaa.com .
February 16, 2010
Announcing the New Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries
Message from NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco
February 10, 2010
It gives me great pleasure to announce Eric Schwaab as the new assistant administrator for fisheries, starting February 16. We are excited to have someone with Eric's experience and proven leadership to bring a fresh perspective to the management of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. Eric will lead NOAA's efforts to rebuild our fisheries and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on them. His immediate priorities include improving outreach and relationships with recreational and commercial fishermen, better aligning federal and regional fisheries priorities, restoring confidence in fisheries law enforcement, and promoting management approaches that will achieve both sustainable fisheries and vibrant coastal communities.
Eric brings more than 25 years of experience in local, state and federal natural resource management. He has spent the majority of his career at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where he began as a natural resources police law enforcement officer in 1983. He eventually served as director of the Maryland Forest Service; director of the Maryland Forest, Wildlife and Heritage Service; and director of the Maryland Fisheries Service. In 2003, Eric left the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to serve as resource director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies until 2007. He then returned to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as the deputy secretary. Eric has also served as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee.
Eric is a creative and proven manager, consensus builder and leader. He has developed and implemented solutions to address challenges in regional habitat restoration, including Chesapeake Bay restoration issues, fish and wildlife conservation, public lands management, natural resources law enforcement, public agency administration, strategic planning and leadership development.
I am excited to welcome Eric to the NOAA family. He will work with NOAA leadership, the fisheries service, his fellow assistant administrators and our many constituents to further our efforts to protect and manage the nation's fisheries, our other trust resources including marine mammals and sea turtles, and the ecosystems upon which they depend. Welcome Eric!
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Jim Balsiger, the acting assistant administrator, for his superb and sustained leadership. Jim has led the fisheries service for over two years in this capacity, far from his home in Alaska, and done so with distinction. He was especially instrumental in engaging the fishery management councils in the process of developing the draft catch shares policy. Dr. Balsiger will soon return to his position as NOAA Fisheries' regional administrator for Alaska, but before doing so will assist Eric with his transition into the fisheries service and NOAA. I'd also like to thank the entire team at NOAA Fisheries who have done an excellent job during this period.
Dr. Jane Lubchenco
February 12, 2010
ASMFC Finds New Jersey Out of Compliance with the
Interstate FMP for Atlantic Coastal Sharks
¡@ Noncompliance Finding Forwarded to the Secretaries of Commerce Interior
Last week at its Winter Meeting, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission found the State of New Jersey out of compliance with the
mandatory management measures contained in the Interstate Fishery
Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Coastal Sharks. The Commission has
notified the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior of its finding.¡@ This
action was taken pursuant to the provisions of the Atlantic Coastal
Fisheries Cooperative Management Act of 1993.
The State of New Jersey has not implemented the regulations of the
Interstate FMP for Atlantic Coastal Sharks. The implementation of these
regulations is necessary to rebuild depleted shark stocks, ensure
sustainable harvest of others, and provide protection for sharks in state
nursing and pupping grounds.¡@ The Technical Committee has identified
Delaware Bay as one of the most important nursing grounds for depleted
sandbar sharks on the Atlantic Coast. Included in the 22 commercial and
recreational regulations in the FMP is a seasonal closure from Virginia
north through New Jersey to protect pupping sandbar sharks.
In order to come back into compliance the State of New Jersey must
implement all measures contained in the FMP.¡@ Upon notification by the
Commission, the Secretary of Commerce has 30 days to review the
recommendation and determine appropriate action, which may include a
federal moratorium on fishing for all 40 species of coastal sharks managed
under the FMP in New Jersey¡¦s state waters.¡@ For more information, please
contact Robert Beal, Director, Interstate Fisheries Management Program, at
(202) 289-6400.
*************************
Tina Berger
Public Affairs Specialist
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1444 I Street. NW, Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202)289-6400
FAX: (202)289-6051
Email: tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org
January 21, 2010
Supreme Court Hands Down Key Campaign
Finance Decision
Repeals Unconstitutional Restrictions on Political Speech
Fairfax, Va. - The National Rifle Association praised the U.S. Supreme Court's
decision today in the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission,
removing unconstitutional restrictions on the NRA's ability to speak freely at
election time.
The late Sen. Paul Wellstone had said during the original debate over this
legislation that it was his intention to silence groups like the NRA. While the
author of this measure had singled out the NRA, this law delivered a clear
message to all American citizens: "Keep your mouths shut and stay out of our
political debates."
Wayne LaPierre, NRA executive vice president, said, "This ruling is a victory
for anyone who believes that the First Amendment applies to each and every one
of us. The majesty of free speech is that any American can roll out of bed and
speak as freely as The New York Times, NBC or politicians. This is a defeat for
arrogant elitists who wanted to carve out free speech as a privilege for
themselves and deny it to the rest of us; and for those who believed that speech
had a dollar value and should be treated and regulated like currency, and not a
freedom. Today's decision reaffirms that the Bill of Rights was written for
every American and it will amplify the voice of average citizens who want their
voices heard."
The case originally centered on the FEC's denial of Citizens United's attempt to
broadcast a film about Hillary Clinton through on-demand cable services in
January 2008, but had broader implications in protecting the First Amendment
rights of organizations like the NRA during election time.
Chris W. Cox, NRA-ILA chief lobbyist, said, "This decision today returns sanity
to our political system. The First Amendment does not allow Congress to make
laws denying Americans the right to speak out on issues, the right to assemble
or organize on public policy issues, or the right to petition our government for
redress of grievances."
-nra-
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil
rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its
mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of
existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association
remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding
gun owners, law enforcement and the military.
http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/NewsReleases.aspx?ID=13323
Alexa Fritts
Media Liaison
National Rifle Association
Institute for Legislative Action
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
afritts@nrahq.org
January 19, 2010
ANJRPC SUES TO THROW OUT CORZINE'S
ONE GUN A MONTH LAW!
Federal Lawsuit Comes in Direct Response to Lawmakers' Broken Promise to Create
a Meaningful Exemption for Honest Collectors and Competitors
Following is the Text of an ANJRPC Press Release
issued on January 17, 2010
The Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC) announced today that
it has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of
New Jersey to invalidate New Jersey's one gun a month law, in direct response to
lawmakers' broken promise to create a meaningful exemption for gun collectors
and competitors in the handgun rationing law.
According to ANJRPC President Scott Bach, "Criminals laugh at Corzine's new law,
which they can easily thwart, and which fails to punish criminal behavior. It's
a thinly disguised attempt to ration the Constitutional rights of law-abiding
citizens."
"Lawmakers promised that Corzine's Firearms Task Force would deliver a
meaningful exemption for honest gun collectors and competitors, who were not the
target of the law. Instead, they rammed through a largely useless and offensive
scheme requiring registered gun owners to beg further permission and show why it
is not 'feasible or practical' to ration their Constitutional rights every time
they wish to make an exempt purchase - a nearly impossible standard to meet,"
said Bach. "Lawmakers blatantly broke their promise and turned the Task Force
into a Task Farce when it came to protecting the Constitutional rights of honest
citizens. Their actions forced us to sue, and have now jeopardized the very
existence of their feel-good law."
The lawsuit is based on a federal statute that pre-empts state and local laws
regulating the sale of certain firearms. The new law runs directly afoul of that
statute because of the way New Jersey's ultra-strict laws sweepingly define
firearms. The suit also asserts claims based on the failure of the State Police
to implement procedures under the new law, as well as the unlawful rationing of
handgun permits by individual municipalities. A copy of the complaint is
available at http://www.anjrpc.org/NJ_OGM_Complaint.pdf
New Jersey's one gun a month law was passed by the legislature in June by a
single vote, despite overwhelming evidence that it could be easily circumvented
by criminals, failed to address real sources of trafficking, and targeted only
law-abiding citizens. Gun rationing laws passed in other states have either been
shown ineffective or repealed.
Ironically, the New Jersey law ignores known sources of New Jersey gun
trafficking, like the Fedex gun theft ring that stole hundreds of handguns from
legal shipments in 2008 and distributed them illegally on the streets of Jersey
City and Newark. The law only regulates conduct by law-abiding citizens who have
been thoroughly investigated by law enforcement and certified by the State as
acceptable to own firearms.
January 11, 2010
New Jersey Marine Council
Votes for Saltwater Fishing License
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council, in a split vote and after a heated debate, voted Thursday night to support a saltwater fishing license.
Council Chairman Gil Ewing, who pitched the license as a way to fund marine fisheries programs, said the annual license fee would likely be in the $15 to $25 range.
Council also supports lowering size limits for striped bass to 24 inches. Click here for that story.
State legislation would be needed to institute the license requirement, targeted for next year. There was no exact estimate of how much money it would generate, but there are an estimated 600,000 anglers, some from other states, who fish here.
Ewing outlined past attempts to get the state Legislature to fund marine programs that were all unsuccessful. Anglers pay $100 million in taxes to New Jersey each year but the state spends only $1.7 million on fisheries programs, far less than other East Coast states.
Ewing said states such as North Carolina have larger fish quotas because they have research that supports them. New Jersey has been shut down in some fisheries, most recently with tautog and later this year possibly with sharks, due to a lack of research or manpower to conform to mandates from the federal government.
"I know a saltwater license is a bitter pill to swallow. I was against it when I first came on council but I've seen what we lose and what we need. I'm tired of losing on fisheries both recreationally and commercially," Ewing said.
The vote on a motion by Dick Herb was 7-2. It was opposed by Joe Rizzo and Ed Goldman.
Rizzo and Goldman supported the first part of the motion that called for the council to set up a committee to research a saltwater fishing license and other funding options, with recommendations due at the May meeting.
They opposed the second part of Herb's motion calling for supporting a saltwater license "in concept" and sending letters to state lawmakers, including Gov.-elect Chris Christie, stating the stance and asking that council be involved in the process.
Some fishermen at the meeting also questioned the need for a committee if a decision to support the license is already made.
Herb said there is a time problem. The federal government is forcing anglers to register with a national saltwater registry this year. It is free in 2010 but the federal government may charge a fee in 2011. States with their own license fees in place do not have to pay the federal fee.
"You don't need a saltwater license to comply with the registry," argued Tony Bogan of the group United Boatman.
Bogan also complained that those wanting a license opposed a proposed bill by state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, to create a free New Jersey registry to comply with the federal mandate. Van Drew argued if the state set up a registry it would not have to pay a federal fee. His bill died in committee in December.
The license proposal also was opposed by the local group Recreational Fishing Alliance, or RFA. Adam Nowitsky of RFA argued New Jersey anglers pay $242 million in taxes, including $100 million to the state, and only get a return of about 2 percent in funding.
"I keep hearing license, license, license; the real problem is in regard to funding," Nowitsky said.
Fred MacFarland, president of the Cape May County Party and Charter Boat Association, said he represented a coalition of 8,000 anglers who support the license.
"The federal registration is only free for this year. We're running out of time. Several fisheries are in jeopardy right now," he said.
Herb said the state lost 40 percent of its tautog catch one year because it did not have the research or even the manpower to get paperwork done in time. The state may face a shark moratorium later this year for failing to adopt new management measures in time. Herb said the value of New Jersey's fish harvest is No. 3 on the East Coast but the state is No. 12 in funding.
The coalition's main concern is money paid doesn't get raided by lawmakers for other programs.
Dave Chanda, who heads the state Division of Fish and Wildlife, said fees paid by freshwater anglers and hunters for more than a century have never been raided by lawmakers. There have been attempts but because this would jeopardize federal funding for the programs they were never successful.
"We get $1.7 million from New Jersey to manage marine fisheries. We need about $20 million to do the job right," Chanda said.
Council member Eleanor Bochenek expressed concern funding from the license could lead to a reduction in existing state funding for some programs.
Bochenek, however, voted for the license along with Herb, Ewing, Patrick Donnelly, Erling Berg, Frances Puskas and Scott Bailey
The committee will report back to council at the May 13 meeting.
Compliments of Atlantic City Press
January 6, 2010
The Truth about rumored Federal Firearms Bills
Recently, NJSFSC firearms committee member Rich Folk raised a question about federal bills SB 2090 and HR 45. An interesting and informative dialogue took place which is worth sharing.
SB 2090 is purported to make every gun owner report all of the guns he or she owns on their income tax return. It is rumoured to be an amendment to the 1986 IRS law. Other stipulations would be a $50 tax on firearms and fingerprinting of gun owners.
HR 45, otherwise known as the Blair Holt bill, is purported to make it illegal to own a firearm unless you register the firearm, are fingerprinted, supply a current Driver's license and Social Security number and submit to a physical and mental evaluation at any time when asked by authorities and a few other severe restrictions.
According to Irv Luizza, the Federation's NRA representative from the Northern section of the state, these bills have become urban legend. Scott Bach, president of the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, agreed.
"S2090 is a rumour that has not been substantiated," said Bach. "HR45 is out there but other than the sponsor of the bill, no one has supported it."
"I think Scott must get tired of answering questions about this bill on a monthly, if not a daily basis," agreed Luizza, speaking about HR45. "Seems like the Anti's have stumbled on a good way to raise some fear with this one. Sort of an anti's SPAM@ to keep everyone worried and asking what's up.
"I put it this way, if it sounds too good or bad to be true it usually isn't true."
Irv suggested that curiosity seekers@go to the website thread http://www.packing4life.com/showthread.php?t=7021 and check out the comments.
Finally Irv had some good advice for those who worry about the rumors of impending@gun bills.
"Do some web searches, read pro 2nd ammendment website pointers and read their feedback," Luizza suggests. "If it was something HOT to react to, the@NRA will send out alerts and every email list spreads it from there and gives direction on what to do.
"As most of us know if we went great guns on every issue that came in everyday it's sort of like crying wolf everyday. Eventually the help gets tired of being asked to react, than don't when we need them to react the most."
- Ed Cuneo
January 03, 2010
BURZICHELLI & JOHNSON BILL TO CLARIFY 1-GUN-PER-MONTH LAW SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
Law Stems from Task Force Proposal to Improve Law While Keeping Protections
(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Gordon Johnson sponsored to revise New Jersey's one-gun-per-month law while continuing to protect law-abiding citizens and businesses is now law.
The measure - signed Saturday by the governor - stems from recommendations from a special task force that reviewed the 1-gun-per-month law. That law took effect Jan. 1 and is designed to deter straw purchases and illegal handgun trafficking, but Burzichelli and Johnson - both Firearms Task Force members - said it also will penalize many law-abiding citizens unless changed.
"This is a common sense compromise that does nothing to impair the goal of protecting public safety by keeping criminals from obtaining multiple weapons at once," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). "These changes correct some unintended consequences while also protecting law-abiding citizens and legitimate businesses." "These changes allow us to continue targeting straw purchases and other illegal handgun trafficking, but provide reasonable exemptions that make sense," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "In the end, these changes are simply clarifications that don't interfere with protecting public safety and combating handgun trafficking."
The law (A-4304) clarifies that transfers of handguns between licensed retail dealers, registered wholesale dealers and registered manufacturers are exempted from the monthly limit. The law also clarifies that transfers of lawfully owned handguns from any person to a licensed retail dealer or a registered wholesale dealer or manufacturer are not subject to the gun per month restriction.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee on Monday is also expected to consider two additional Burzichelli-Johnson bills to clarify the law. One bill (A-4361) would exempt those who inherit guns, gun collectors and competitive shooters from the law. The other (AJR-133) would create a firearms advisory task force to review state gun laws.
Article compliments of:
www.gloucestercitynews.net
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Register for a Federal Saltwater Fishing Registry, or Not Too Register, that is the Question?
Scofflaws bewhere!
New Jersey's recreational saltwater anglers must provide contact information to a new, free federal registry by New Year's Day. If the state Legislature does not establish its own registry next year, in 2011 they will need to begin paying the federal government an annual fee of $15 to $25.
But how much will the fishing life truly change? How often will someone check whether people complied, and what will happen if they do not?
"It's going to be enforced just like any other fishing regulation's going to be enforced," said Forbes Darby, recreational fishing coordinator for the registry's steering agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. "There may well be a penalty. The law is unspecific about what that might be."
The 2006 law that produced the registry allows the NOAA to fine scofflaws. Darby said that could begin at some point next year, but not at first.
"Certainly the efforts will be on education early on," Darby said. "We understand with something new, people may not know about it."
Fishermen can register in one of two ways: at (www.countmyfish.noaa.gov) on the Web, or by calling 888-674-7411. The registry collects contact information to allow more expedient, complete surveys of what fish are being caught where and when.
Authorities would use the information to set more strategic catch limits, said Tom McCloy, the state's administrator of marine fisheries: "For most stocks, the idea is to have a sustainable population that people can enjoy."
Jim Donofrio, a Galloway Township fisherman who heads up the Recreational Fishing Alliance, believes most avid fishermen know about the program and will join it willingly if it is free. But these folks who spend, by Donofrio's estimation, anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000 per year on their hobby could balk at paying the government for permission to fish.
That's why state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, has pushed for a free state registry, refusing to compromise with a nominal fee that he feels could too easily be raised in the future.
Besides, Van Drew said, a cash-poor state government may raid the fee proceeds to fund a nonfishing endeavor.
State Sen. Bob Smith, D-Middlesex, Somerset, held Van Drew's bill in committee because it did not compromise. The state Department of Environmental Protection supported a fee.
"That free registry would have cost the state money," McCloy said.
If the free registry cannot pass in 2010, Van Drew said he would begrudgingly accept a fishing fee, rather than have anglers send $15 to $25 each to the federal government.
"I'd prefer a state fee, but that's like saying, 'Would you rather have your arms and legs cut off, or just your arms?' I'd rather stay intact," Van Drew said.
"It isn't really going to change participation in fishery," McCloy said. "People that say, 'If you put a license in place, I'm never going fishing again,' I don't believe for one second. Getting a license is the low cost involved in the process."
Van Drew predicted a state registry would pass in some form in 2010: "I think the debate continues, and hopefully the governor-elect has some input on that."
Said Donofrio: "My sense is that Gov.-elect (Chris) Christie is going to be very wise and not want to tax anybody" for fishing. Still, he said he would accept a small fee if it is strictly to cover the registry's cost, not additional state programs.
Delaware residents have saltwater licenses that allow them to fish in New Jersey waters, too, Darby said. Commercial boats and party vessels are exempt because their catch information is documented in other ways.
Anglers in six other states without their own registries must join New Jersey residents on the federal list, Darby said - Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Virginia.
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NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife Reminded
Saltwater Registry Information
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds saltwater anglers that the federal government's National Saltwater Angler Registry Program requires most New Jersey saltwater anglers to register prior to fishing in 2010.
You must register if you*
* Fish for or catch anadromous species (striped bass, shad, river herring) in state tidal waters
* Fish in Federal waters (more than 3 miles from shore)
You do not have to register if you*
* Are under 16 years of age
* Only fish on federally licensed party or charter boats
* Hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit
Online and telephone registration will begin January 1, 2010. Register online at www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or call toll free 888-674-7411.
Registration is free in 2010.
SCI and New Jersey Sporting Groups
File Suit to Force NJ Bear Hunt Decision
Washington, D.C. --Safari Club International (SCI) and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsman's Clubs Inc. (Federation) filed suit yesterday in New Jersey to force action on black bear management.
Despite the best efforts of the state's Fish and Game Council (Council), New Jersey's Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has refused to approve a new comprehensive black bear management policy (Black Bear Policy) that includes hunting as a management strategy. Under New Jersey law, without a policy in place, the State cannot hold a black bear hunt.
"The Commissioner's inaction has lead to a drastic increase in bear incidents state-wide since the last bear hunt in 2005.
SCI President Larry Rudolph said, "A well regulated hunt is essential for the sound and responsible management of black bear in New Jersey and for the safety of the general public. The goal of our lawsuit is simply to put legal pressure on the Commissioner and the Council to take the necessary action to adopt a Black Bear Policy.
"Forcing action on a policy will allow the Council -- the people entrusted under New Jersey law to manage wildlife -- to decide whether a hunt is both the appropriate means of managing the state's bear population and a valued recreational experience."
Legal Background:
In 2006, SCI and the Federation went to court to defend the Black Bear Policy that was adopted in 2005 because then-DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson and Governor Jon Corzine abruptly withdrew that policy and cancelled the annual black bear hunt.
In a 2007 decision, the Court questioned the Commissioner's authority to unilaterally withdraw the Black Bear Policy, but nevertheless invalidated the 2005 Policy, finding that it had not been properly adopted in the first place. The actions of the DEP and the court's ruling left New Jersey with no approved strategies for reducing the state's growing bear population.
The Court directed the Commissioner and Council to work together to formulate a new black bear management policy, and encouraged SCI and the Federation to return to court should the parties reach an impasse. That impasse has now occurred.
Operation Game Thief