NEW JERSEY'S 1995 RECREATIONAL WRECK/REEF FISHERIES
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association - April 1996 Newspaper)
A survey conducted by the department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife indicates that New Jersey recreational saltwater anglers caught an estimated 3.8 million sea bass, blackfish, ling, porgy and other wreck/reef fish during the 1995 season. Fishing effort and catch were surveyed by State marine fisheries biologists who interviewed anglers onboard party boats and contacted private and charter boat captains by telephone. During the 8-month survey, between April and November, over 3,000 fishermen were interviewed. The objectives of this study were to estimate the effort and catch of the recreational wreck/reef fishery and to assess the effectiveness of the State's reef construction program.
New Jersey's wreck/reef fishing fleet consists of 68 party , 339 charter and 3,267 private vessels. During 1995, fishing effort for all boat types amounted to 199,000 angler-days. The 1995 season for bottom species, was marked by relatively poor catches in spring and summer, with the exception of tog, which provided good fishing in the spring. Action did not improve until September and then excellent catches were made in October and November. The 1995 season was also marked by consistent stormy weather that undoubtedly resulted in reduced fishing effort due the cancellation of many trips.
The estimated total catch (kept and released) by species is as follows:
Species Number of fish caught (kept & released)
Total All Species 3,808,211
Sea bass is the dominant species on New Jersey wrecks and reefs, comprising 57 percent of the total catch. The State's network of 14 artificial reef sites contributed significantly to the fishery, accounting for 29 percent of the overall catch. In terms of fishing effort, artificial reefs accounted for 25 percent of the party boat, 26 percent of the charter boat and 55 percent of the private boat activity. At the time of the survey, the artificial reef network contained over 900 patch reefs constructed from 2.2 million cubic yards of reef structures, including old ships and barge, rock, concrete, concrete-ballasted tire unites and military vehicles. Sea floor structures used by anglers outside of artificial reef sites consist of shipwrecks, sunken cargo, rocky outcroppings and mussel and coral beds. Fortunately, anglers release alive many small fish they catch. Release rates were 30 percent for sea bass, 32 percent for porgy and 59 percent for tog. The higher release rate for tog is due to a 12" size limit; the other species are currently unregulated. Anglers can look forward to catching these same fish, at a larger size, in future seasons.
The 1995 catch exhibited a 47 percent decline over the 1991 season, when a similar survey estimated the State's wreck/reef fishery caught 7.2 million fish. By species, the sea bass catch declined 56 percent, tog by 30 percent and porgy by 65 percent between 1991 and 1995; in contrast, ling and triggerfish catches improved, up 101 and 90 percent, respectively. The cause of the fishery decline is unknown and there is not enough data to speculate if the decline is due to a reduced fish stock. Fishing effort in 1995 was well below that of 1991 due to adverse fall weather and this factor certainly was partially responsible for the lower catch.
REEF NEWS '96 IS AVAILABLE
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection"s Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, the 1996 edition of Reef News is now available at coastal bait and tackle shops or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope (#10 - $.32) to:
Reef News
Nacote Creek Research Station
P.O. Box 418
Port Republic, NJ 08241
This 8-page pamhlet summerizes the summarizes of the Reef Program during 1995, provides LORAN coordinates for new shipwrecks and contains other information that will help reef fishermen and scuba divers. Don't leave the dock without a copy.
For more information about New Jersey's Wreck/Reef Fisheries or the 1996 Reef News please contact:
Bill Figley, Fisheries Biologist
NJ Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife
P.O. Box 418
Port Republic, NJ 08241
609-748-2020