March 16, 1993

I attended the Past Presidents Dinner held annually by the Saltwater Angers of Bergen County at the Mountainside Inn in Clifton to give the keynote speech on behalf of JCAA. Also in attendance were Al Ristori and Bruce Freeman, who each gave short addresses. My speech centered on the rapid introduction of new fisheries management policies, changes in existing regulations and new regulations left to come. I discussed the built in inequities that almost all of these plans have, showing a clear bias against the recreational fishing community and how, without a watchdog and activist group like JCAA, we would have no voice in these matters. I also discussed the need for increased financial support from JCAA member clubs to help get our staff to important fisheries meetings, public hearings and to give testimony at meetings like the NJ Fisheries Round Table, held earlier this month.

Far too many affiliated clubs feel that just lending their name and $50 dues to JCAA means they are actually working toward equitable fisheries management and that's just not the case. Club dues accomplish little else than covering the cost of the newsletters we send to clubs presidents and reps. If you really want to be involved, JCAA desperately needs funding and we have a Sponsorship Program that each and every club should donate, to the greatest extent possible. Some small clubs have sent sponsor  checks of $250 to $500 each year. They recognize the importance of JCAA and are willing to back up their commitment with hard earned cash. We also desperately need more  active club members to assist us in getting to more important meetings, forming committees to work on a variety of fisheries problems, to aid in putting out the newsletter and to help us get our office in Toms River even more organized. Don't you have some members truly interested in fisheries, environmental and access issues? Get them in touch with Paul Smith, President. His phone number is at the beginning of this newsletter.

We hope that the Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County and other member clubs are getting the message. JCAA can't do it all alone. We need your help and financial support. If your club would like a visit from a JCAA Executive Office at an upcoming meeting, we will try to accommodate as many clubs as possible this year. We will attend with newsletters and information pamphlets for all members, a video on fisheries and habitat destruction that will open your members eyes and a short program and question and answer period on JCAA. Call Gary Caputi, Vice President,  for further information.

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