By Patrick F. Donnelly, D.M.D.
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association May 1995 Newsletter)
I would like to take this opportunity to report back to the JCAA on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Tautog Management Plan. At the present time, the plan is only in a formative stage, but there are certain possibilities of which our member clubs should be made aware. Please understand, that these are only possible management tools, and that nothing is binding, but we should be well versed in all of the possibilities before entering a discussion.
POSSIBLE MANAGEMENT TOOLS:
1. Creating two (2) areas for management:
1. New York and North
2. New Jersey and South
2. Increased size limits - increased bag limits
3. Area closures : Example ....spawning grounds
4. Seasonal closures: Example ...spawning
5. Separate management plans for recreational/ party & charter boats
As the recreational advisor to the ASMFC Tautog Board, I attended a meeting in Rhode Island where these possibilities were discussed. It seems like we in New Jersey have about the best tautog fishing right now, and we would fight to keep it that way.
In reviewing the above proposals, think hard about how each choice would affect us. If we embrace a seasonal closure, will we have anything to fish for until fluke season opens? If we separate from the party/charter boat groups, will we wind up with an inequity like with the bluefin tuna? These are all possibilities that we should keep in mind when the public hearings begin.
What I ask is that we develop some ideas on which we can focus before the public hearings begin. Please fee free to contact me with your ideas on this topic. If you are interested, I can speak to individual clubs in the next few months, to help spread the word before the process begins.
Pat Donnelly is a member of the Manasquan Fishing Club, Chairman of the JCAA Blackfish Committee and a recreational advisor to the ASMFC Tautog Board.