From the Recreational Fishing Alliance:

Reef Bill Passes Unanimously through NJ Senate  

Trenton, NJ, January 3, 2008-The New Jersey Artificial Reef Bill, S-2635, passed unanimously out of the New Jersey Senate today and is one step closer to the Governor's desk.  This important bill has been fiercely opposed by commercial fish lobbyists who want to keep their clients fishing thousands of pots and traps on New Jersey's artificial reefs.   

S-2635 will prohibit the use of pots and traps on the artificial reefs in NJ state waters.  The bill will also charge the NJ DEP to forward a request to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to apply for special management zone status for NJ artificial reefs in federal waters.  New Jersey's program, one of the most successful in the country, was implemented and designed for divers and hook and line fishermen.  Currently 30-40 commercial pot and trap fishermen are dominating the reefs and using highly efficient gear contrary to the goals and objectives of the plan.

The recreational fishing community greatly appreciates the support from the bill's sponsors and co-sponsors who helped pass this important legislation out of Senate Environment Committee in early November.  We also appreciate the Senate leadership for posting S-2635 for a vote.  It is now extremely important that the Assembly Speaker, Joe Roberts, hear from the recreational fishing community that they want the corresponding Assembly bill, A-3986, posted for a vote.  The Assembly has delayed posting this bill due to the influence the commercial potters and trap fishermen have put against this bill. The Assembly bill must be passed by the end of this legisative session on January 7, 2008, or the entire process must start over.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information,
call 1-888-JOIN-RFA.