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(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association January 2004 Newsletter)
Approximately 125 interested parties were in attendance. Fifty-three people voiced very strong objections to the opening of the EEZ for any type of fishing on striped bass. Not a single person in the audience testified in favor of the proposed EEZ opening. It appeared to me that NMFS gave a number of insufficient answers to some very valid questions from the floor. It was quite clear at this hearing what the recreational fishermen of New Jersey felt about this proposal. The JCAA opinion on this proposal may be found in last month’s newsletter.
If NMFS decides to pursue this issue, a series of hearings will be held in the spring of 2004. At that time it will be necessary to get a massive recreational response at any future hearing. It was made clear to NMFS that a 6:00 PM or earlier meeting will not be acceptable if future hearings are to be held. The time frame for this hearing prevented many interested parties from attending or caused them to arrive late.
