Anglers both commercial and recreational in New Jersey may have reason to anticipate a sea change in fishing regulations in the next few years as the board that governs fishing in the Mid-Atlantic feels the effects of three new members with strong connections to environmental causes or organizations — members who may well bring a better balance to a group long influenced by the industry.
Environmental groups long have complained that the 25-member Mid-Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Council has been dominated by people with direct economic and personal stakes in fisheries issues. That dominance could erode somewhat as the council next month replaces a trio of fishermen with three people with activist backgrounds and little fear of speaking their minds.
Christopher J. Zeman of River Vale is an attorney who represented the environmental group Oceana on issues including the sea turtle’s interaction with scallop fleets. He is replacing Ed Goldman, a recreational angler from Absecon, in a New Jersey seat. Steven Schaefer, who works for Wild Edibles fish stores in New York and is a tireless promoter of sustainable fishing practices, is replacing Montauk commercial tilefish boat owner Laurie Nolan. Peter L. deFur, a wildlife toxicologist and professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center for Environmental Studies who has worked on coastal restoration issues, is replacing fisherman Jeff Deem. All have three-year terms.