 |
 |
|
|
||
Why Be a Member Club of JCAA?
by Paul Smith, Membership Secretary
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 2003 Newsletter)
We just began the annual effort to renew our member clubs and update their contact information, and I started thinking of the years before the formation of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association over 20 years ago.
Many anglers forget that before JCAA, our clubs had almost no impact on fisheries management at either the state or federal level. Efforts by individuals and clubs were usually limited to letter writing or perhaps a call or visit to a state legislator. There was little understanding of how any of the decisions were made on the federal level. Most small clubs did not have enough funds to send anyone to a meeting held at a distant location.
At various times in the past, different clubs would join in the efforts to remedy some fishery or environmental problem. After either success, or usually failure, the clubs would go their separate ways. There were several organizations such as those for charter boat captains and surf anglers who had isolated success with some issues. There was no organization that could represent the broad cross section of saltwater anglers in New Jersey.
In 1981, several fishing clubs located in towns along the northern New Jersey coast became concerned with problems with the spring herring run at the flume in Asbury Park. After individual attempts by several clubs failed to get state agencies to solve the dispute, a new association of clubs was formed that became JCAA.
The dedication and tenacity of the early leaders of the JCAA made this organization continue where many others had failed. Although there were many disappointments, a few successful efforts created more interest and the number of member clubs grew steadily.
The rapid decline in striped bass stocks created a focal point for JCAA action that culminated in the successful effort to make striped bass a no-sale game fish in New Jersey. This was an accomplishment that had seemed almost impossible to attain. JCAA became recognized as a force to be respected in the fishery management process.
JCAA has expanded its efforts to work on other issues that have a direct relationship to fishing. These include water and air quality, habitat, and access. One of the most successful JCAA programs has developed fishing and environmental education opportunities for New Jersey youth.
Our member clubs are a diverse group that includes fishing clubs, dive clubs and environmental organizations. Even the interests of the fishing clubs vary with some specializing in surf angling, fishing from boats and or fly-fishing. Even boat-fishing clubs interest varies as one may specialize in offshore big game species and another primarily interested in fishing the inshore waters.
Our common bond is the desire to enjoy our life in a clean and abundant environment. Our common opponent appears to be the special interests that will degrade or destroy our quality of life because of ignorance or greed.
If your club is now a member of JCAA, you will receive a renewal letter in the mail. Please fill out the club fact sheet with current information and return it with your dues payment as soon as possible. The prompt return of your completed club fact sheet is of utmost importance. It allows the JCAA to contact your club president and delegates when quick action is needed on urgent issues.
One of the primary goals of the JCAA is to get updated and accurate information on each vital issue to as many concerned persons as possible. Please encourage your club members to read the monthly JCAA newsletter. The current issue is always available at the JCAA website, as are past issues. Please discuss the important issues with your club members at your meetings so they can make informed decisions.
You know what JCAA is doing to help your club. What can you do to help your club and the other members of JCAA? Send your delegate to as many monthly general meetings as possible so your club can be part of discussions and votes on important issues. We know it can be a long trip for some clubs, but this is important! It is also important to assist in some manner when the JCAA asks. It may be by writing letters, by making telephone calls, by attending meetings in your area, by taking part in a JCAA committee or some type of fund raising. Each small effort is important!
We are always interested in contacting any fishing and environmental organization in the New Jersey area that may be interested in joining the JCAA.
If you have any questions about the operation of the JCAA, wish to attend a regular delegates meeting as a guest, or have a suggestion regarding how the individual angler can help with the work of this Association, please feel free to contact the JCAA President or other officer directly, or by leaving a message at the JCAA office phone, fax or e-mail.