President's Report

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association December 2009 Newsletter)

Everyone must keep updated on the issues because there are news releases from ASMFC that have been sent containing issues that are for public comment and review. It is very important that everybody participates in this process. You and your clubs need to attend ASMFC meetings and submit written comments on all issues whether it is for or against. If you don’t, then we as a recreational community have no voice in the matters at hand. So get more involved so the recreational community has an even stronger voice. It is very important that each club keeps up to date with all the issues that are affecting us. There are so many issues that are happening right now so continue to check out our website. Club Presidents should make sure that their representatives attend every JCAA General Meeting to bring this information back to your individual clubs for discussion.

As everyone knows, on September 30th NOAA announced that it was closing the Black Sea Bass fishery down for 180 days starting October 5th. On October 1st JCAA had sent out a press release about the unfair NOAA shut down of this fishery in Federal Waters. We are continuing to look at the most effective way to correct this unfair decision and reopen this fishery. You can get a copy of the press release on our website www.jcaa.org. We will keep everybody informed in the progress in this very important issue.

The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA) had organized a Rescue Our Outdoors Rally (ROOR) which was held at the New Egypt. There were speakers from both political parties who spoke out on important outdoor issues. It was a rainy day but despite the weather, it was well attended by people who use the resources that New Jersey has to offer.

The Sportsperson of the Year Dinner/Dance was held November 15 at Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant. This prestigious award went to Anthony Mauro from the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA). Congratulations to Anthony for all his hard work in the past and I am sure he will continue to fight the issues at hand. Berkeley Striper Club was awarded the Youth Education Award to recognize its hard work on behalf of this important cause. I would like to take the time to thank all the clubs that purchased a table and the Dinner/Dance Committee Paul Turi, Dan Miller and Ed Cherry for a great job.

With end of the year approaching it is that time again: elections. If you are interested in becoming a JCAA Officer you need to contact Don Marantz at 609-259-6368 or the JCAA Office. We are looking for dedicated individuals to get more involved. Each member club should have their delegates present at the December Meeting to be involved in the process of electing the new officers for 2010.

With the show season coming up very fast, JCAA will be looking for volunteers to staff a booth. There are four shows that will be attending this year. Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen’s & Adventure Show (Raritan Show) Jan. 14th to 17th, Atlantic City International Power Boat Show Feb, 3rd -7th and Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar Feb. 27th and The Saltwater Fishing Show Mar. 19th to 21st. Mark these date on your calendar and plan to attend. If anyone is interested right now in volunteering please contact me at mtsport64@aol.com. This is where we interact with people who do not belong to any clubs and are misinformed on issues. It is a great experience to meet many different people who enjoy something you love to do.

Time is moving very fast and before you know it, we will be welcoming in year 2010. The end of the year also ushers in strategies on lowering your 2009 taxes by various financial moves including giving special contributions to non-profit or charitable organizations. Consider giving a financial gift to the JCAA since it is a non-profit entity and your contribution is tax deductible. Your contribution will be utilized to support and protect the rights of all anglers who fish in New Jersey. Please call the JCAA office at (732) 506-6565 if you have any questions in regard to your contribution.

As I mentioned in past newsletters the Newspaper Committee is looking for clubs to send in a 500 word description about your club including who you are and what you do. Send it in by e-mail to jcaa@jcaa.org with the stipulation that we will be using these highlights in the order that they are received and they will be published in the JCAA newsletter.

As a reminder the JCAA has an Operations Manager in the office to answer your questions. Operations Manager Sharon McKenna will try to give you the correct answer to your question or direct your call to the proper person.

I am still trying to make our Individual Committees more effective in this coming year. As you can see some of the Committees are very active right now, 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 you will see how the system works. If you are interested on serving on them contact the JCAA office or me.

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