Last month we all saw how effective letter writing from sport groups can be.
NJOA-CF affiliate organizations literally stopped the DEP dead in their tracks
from over regulating state parks, like Island Beach, without allowing adequate
time for user groups to comment. Results could have been devastating. But due
to your quick response letters, the DEP amended most of their regulatory errors
and extended the comment period to ensure your input was considered. That’s
being proactive!
This week sportsmen have a similar opportunity. We know the DEP Commissioner
has sent a proposed ‘traps off the reef’ regulation to the governor’s office.
The regulation includes a request to the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management
Council (MAFMC) to designate New Jersey’s offshore reefs as Special Management
Zones (SMZ). If granted, there would be no more traps on NJ’s (13) offshore
reef sites which is something we’ve been demanding for years!
In less than two weeks the MAFMC will meet. The Council will consider a similar
request by Delaware for SMZ status on their reefs. It’s taken them over fifteen
months to get to this determining point. As for New Jersey, if Governor
Christie acts quickly and releases the proposed regulation for SMZ status, NJ
has a unique opportunity to piggyback on Delaware’s momentum. The question ……
will Governor Christie act soon enough?
IT’S TIME TO WRITE A LETTER! All you need to convey is; Governor, our
organization has been informed that you are considering a proposed reef
regulation that the DEP composed. Part of that proposal includes a request to
the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council for Special Management Zone (SMZ)
status on New Jersey’s offshore reef sites. The MAFMC meets in less than two weeks. Please release the regulation now and make the request for SMZ status at
this next MAFMC meeting. For six long years New Jersey’s recreational fishermen
and women have been begging that artificial reefs be for hook, line and spear
fishing only (as stated in the NJ Artificial Reef Management Plan). By making
this request, federal grants have a strong possibility of being restored to fund
this once great marine environment program.
Send or call today: 609-292-6000
Governor Chris Christie
Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
Mr. Peter Grimbalis
NJ Reef Rescue
Responses