Saving Seafood

N.J. adopts new artificial reef plan to ease tension between commercial, recreational fishers

November 5, 2015 — The Christie administration adopted new rules this week that will give way to a plan to develop an artificial reef just north of Barnegat Inlet, officials announced Wednesday.

The plan developed by the Department of Environmental Protection ends a decade-long rift between commercial and recreational fisherman. Anglers argue their hooks get caught on commercial pot lines.

Under the new rules, commercial and recreational fisherman will be required to use lobster, fish and conch pots only in certain areas. The lobster potters will also have to mark individual pots with a buoy and set them up between the hours of sunrise and sunset. They must also contact Marine Law Enforcement Headquarters two hours prior to setting their pots, officials said.

Read the full story at NJ.com

NEW JERSEY: Christe Administration Announces $2.1 Million in Federal Grants to Help Fishing-Related Businesses Impacted by Superstorm Sandy

July 16, 2015 — The Christie Administration announced that 266 fishing-related businesses will share more than $2.1 million in federal grants to help them recover some costs resulting from damages sustained as a result of Superstorm Sandy.

The grant program focused on helping smaller businesses. Owners of bait-and-tackle shops, commercial dealers, commercial fishermen, for-hire party and charter boat operators, marinas and those involved in shell-fish aquaculture businesses were eligible to apply to the DEP for grants of up to $10,000 to help offset some of the costs of the storm on their operations.

“The DEP and our Marine Fisheries staff have worked tirelessly since Sandy to help these businesses get back on their feet,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “Our economically vital commercial and recreational fishing industries are coming back after the devastation caused by Sandy. This grant program will help our smaller fishing-related businesses recover some of their losses.”

Grants were provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as part of a federal fishery disaster declaration for states impacted by Sandy.

Applicants had to document a minimum of $5,000 in losses as a result of Sandy. Grants were awarded to help with repair or replacement of equipment that was not covered by other programs. Activities already paid for out-of-pocket as part of a business’ or individual’s recovery effort also were eligible.

Read the full story at the Cape May County Herald