7/14/99
Governor Christine Todd Whitman and the State of New Jersey are filing an amicus brief to the lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service filed by Jersey Coast Anglers Association; the Recreational Fishing Alliance; National Fishing Association and its executive director, Phil Kozak; the United Boatmen of New Jersey and New York; Captain Gordon Roman, owner of the Captree Queen of Long Island; Hoffman’s Marina, Brielle; Captain Paul Forsberg, Viking Fishing Fleet; the Confederation of the Association of Atlantic Charter Boats and Captains; and the Reel Seat, Brielle. JCAA and its member clubs have worked hard to gain the support of Governor Whitman and are delighted with her decision.
The official announcement will be made tomorrow at a Congressional Hearing on Highly Migratory Species conducted by Congressman Saxton. JCAA was instrumental in convincing Governor Whitman to take this action. JCAA was the only group asking Governor Whitman to file a suit on behalf of the State of New Jersey. When she did not take that action, we continued to ask for her support. Many groups and individuals were convinced that there was no chance to gain her support. Although governors of many states have joined in lawsuits against NMFS in the past, their support has always been for the commercials interests. This is the first time I can recall that a governor has joined a lawsuit with the recreational sector. There is still time for the governors of others states to file a similar amicus brief and you should encourage your governor to do so. JCAA is grateful to everyone who worked hard to get Governor Whitman’s support. This is a clear indication that the work of individual anglers can make a difference. No matter what groups or clubs you belong to, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard. Clearly, Governor Whitman was listening.
A special thanks goes to our outdoor writers who publicized JCAA’s efforts and made the public aware.
National Fishing Association and its executive director, Phil Kozak; the United Boatmen of New Jersey and New York; Captain Gordon Roman, owner of the Captree Queen of Long Island; Hoffman’s Marina, Brielle; Captain Paul Forsberg, Viking Fishing Fleet; the Confederation of the Association of Atlantic Charter Boats and Captains; and the Reel Seat, Brielle
Release For Tomorrow
Tom Fote
