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From the Recreational Fishing Alliance:

Trenton, NJ, October 18, 2007-  New Jersey's artificial reefs are one step closer to being cleared of fish traps and pots as a result of the Senate Environment Committee hearing held today in Trenton.  The Committee released Senate bill 2635, sponsored by Senators Asselta and McCullough, by a unanimous 4 to 0 votes in favor.  Despite the large turn out by commercial fishing representatives, committee members were very receptive to the bipartisan testimony provided in support of the bill and the recreational fishing contingent, who were also in very strong support of S 2635.

In recent years, New Jersey's Artificial Reefs have become overrun with fish pots and traps.  Once isolated to the northern most reefs, the rampant infiltration of this gear focused on artificial reefs has become a coast-wide problem affecting every reef in the Reef Program. New Jersey's Artificial Reef Program which includes 15 reef areas was designed and intended for divers and hook and line fishermen.  DEP and the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council were unable to approve meaningful regulations consistent with the Reef Plan.

John DePersenaire, Fisheries Researcher for the RFA, attended the committee hearing and testified in support of S 2635.  "The objectives and goals of the artificial reef grogram, approved by the Department of Environmental Protection in 2005, are clear in that the program will provide and enhance marine habitat, improve biodiversity and provide recreational opportunities for hook and line fishermen and divers," stated DePersenaire.  "The benefits of the reef program are to be spread 'among as many people as possible.' Having 40-50 potters dominate our reefs completely disregards the spirit and intent of the Reef Plan."

Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of the RFA, indicated that New Jersey's anglers should be very grateful to the Senate President Richard Codey for bringing this important bill to a hearing before the Environment Committee.  "We are especially grateful for the bipartisan effort of Senators Asselta, McCullough, Adler, Chairman Bob Smith, Vice Chairman Sweeney and the Senate leaders to make this bill a priority in the Senate for this session.  We are hopeful that with their continued leadership, S 2635 will be posted for a full general Assembly vote before the end of the current legislative session.  For fishermen in New Jersey, this is one of the most important issues they are watching."

RFA is encouraging all fishermen to contact Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts and Senate President Richard Codey urging them to post S 2635 and the Assembly companion bill, A 3986, for a vote before the end of the current legislative session.  Anglers can go on the RFA website, www.joinrfa.org, or the Reef Rescue website, www.reefrescue.com, to download and print form letters to both leaders.  This legislation must be passed during this session or we will have to start all over in January.

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