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President's Report

by Mark Taylor

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association June 2009 Newsletter)

 

Our High Roller Raffle was drawn in Brick before our General Meeting on April 28th. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. I would like to thank everyone that participated in this year’s High Roller Raffle. The High Roller Raffle is one of our fundraisers that keeps your Association running for you. We also had a presentation from Bill Figley, a former biologist for the Division of Fish and Wildlife, about Reef Rescue’s Pots off the Reefs as well. I have scheduled the Director, Dave Chanda, of the Division of Fish and Wildlife to give a presentation on the Federal Saltwater Registry, so attend the next general meeting on May 26th at Brick Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road in Brick.

The 2009 JCAA Fluke Tournament is coming up fast so get your entries in. We all are experiencing rough economic times so make sure you mark your calendar for June 6th. This is the date that the entry fee increases for the 2009 JCAA Fluke Tournament. This year’s fishing date is June 13th with the ceremony down at Atlantic City on June 19th, so be a part of this great event by filling out an entry form that is in this newsletter and send it in. We are still looking for people to volunteer with the fluke tournament and if there are any questions about the Fluke Tournament, you can call the office or email jcaa@jcaa.org.

The JCAA Saltwater Registry Committee gave a summary of their meeting with pros and cons on a few options that are being talked about. The club representatives were asked to bring the information back to their individual clubs for some discussion and feedback. They will be in attendance at the next general meeting to listen to Dave Chanda’s presentation. The committee’s co-chairs, Tom Siciliano and Bruce Smith, will keep us all informed of the committee’s activities.

We need to continue to send letters of support for Bruce Freeman for the New Jersey seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. It is very important to have a recreational representative on this Council. He is very well qualified for the New Jersey seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Letters of support from your individual member clubs would go a long way in ensuring that he gains the seat. If you have any questions contact JCAA Office. Below is a letter I sent on behalf of the JCAA to federal legislators in support of Bruce’s appointment.

As a reminder, the JCAA has an Operations Manager, Sharon McKenna, in the office to answer your questions. Please contact her for information and she either will give the correct answer to your question or will direct your call to the proper person.

I am still trying to make our Individual Committees more effective in this coming year. So volunteer some of your time for something you love so much. Being part of one of these committees you can get more involved and see on how the system works. If you are interested on serving on them contact the JCAA office or me.

Everyone have a safe summer and enjoy time with your family.


This is a reminder that there will be no JCAA General Meeting in June.


Letter in Support of Bruce Freeman's Appointment



 

Dear Federal Legislator,

Jersey Coast Anglers Association (JCAA), a state wide organization representing 75 fishing clubs in New Jersey, respectfully requests your letter of support for Bruce Freeman’s candidacy for the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC). This letter of support, to be addressed to the Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator Jane Lubchenco and the National Marine Fisheries Service’s acting Assistant Administrator Jim Balfiger, will go a long way towards ensuring Mr. Freeman’s appointment to this important position.

This year, New Jersey has a great opportunity to fill its obligatory seat on the MAFMC with someone who has a balanced perspective and long historic knowledge of fisheries management. The process for filling this vacancy requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to forward a list of nominees for Governor Corzine to review. Governor Corzine has recognized the outstanding qualities of Bruce Freeman and has forwarded his nomination to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Mr. Freeman recently retired from the New Jersey Department of Environment Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, after more than 25 years of service. During most of that time, he represented the division’s director to the MAFMC. He has done an outstanding job working to protect our state and national marine resources. His many years of service have provided him with a sound comprehension of the very complex procedures of the MAFMC. His familiarity with many of the council members is a distinguishing characteristic that will surely add to his effectiveness while serving on the council.

Since retiring, Mr. Freeman has volunteered his time on the Executive Board of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association; as the Science Advisor to the Partnership for Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Science; and serves as Chairman of our Science and Research Committee where he continues his involvement in marine fisheries, conservation and fishery management. His past experience on the MAFMC makes him an exceptional candidate to once again represent New Jersey. Because of these outstanding attributes, we respectfully request that you support Mr. Freeman’s appointment.


Respectfully,
Mark Taylor, President
Jersey Coast Anglers Association



 

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