The NJOA has been informed that Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk, (R) District 39, has become the 24th Co-Sponsor of Bill A1152, which prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.
Anthony P. Mauro, Chair, NJOA (CF), said, "Assemblywoman Vandervalk has joined a growing list of Sponsors and Co-Sponsors recognizing the importance of New Jersey's Reef Program to the hundreds-of-thousands of anglers in our state. Their support for removing commercial fixed gear from the reefs, and having funding restored to the Reef Program, is very encouraging to the fishing community. It's also recognition of the inherent unfairness of allowing industry to take over a public trust, which is solely paid for by excise taxes on purchases by recreational anglers, and earn a profit while restricting access to these very same anglers. You wouldn't believe that such a scenario would be allowed to happen in America."
Captain Pete Grimbilas, President, NJOA CF said, "Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, New York and now Delaware have all taken the steps necessary to correct the injustice that was occurring on their reefs. They saw it as a moral issue, as well as a practical issue, and took action to correct it. It's a simple matter of right versus wrong. Why is it that one or two legislators and our DEP are having a problem with doing the right thing and removing the traps from the reefs?"
The NJOA (CF) suggests that people take a moment to thank Assembly representatives for recognizing that removing fixed gear (traps and pots) is the right thing to do.
The list that follows includes the Assembly members who are Primary Sponsors and Co-Sponsors of Bill A1152.
The NJOA (CF) suggests that people take a moment to thank Assembly representatives for recognizing that removing fixed gear (traps and pots) is the right thing to do.
The list that follows includes the Assembly members who are Primary Sponsors and Co-Sponsors of Bill A1152.
The goal is to have the majority of the assembly members become Sponsors and Co-Sponsors on the bill. The number to reach is 41.
Let's get to 41 Sponsors and Co-Sponsors! You can contact your Assemblyperson and ask that they become a Co-Sponsor too - or thank them if they are already a Primary Sponsor or Co-Sponsor by taking the following steps:
It's that easy.
You can also write your legislator!
People can use this link to send a prewritten letter requesting that bill A-1152 be heard in the Assembly, which allows for public access (hook and line, and spear fishing) to ocean reefs as intended by the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act.
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr.
Chair New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
