On behalf of the JCAA, I attended a September 26th meeting of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA) and the following issues were discussed.
NJOA Board member Jerry Natale gave a report on the NJ Outdoor Exposition that was held in Colliers Mills State Park on September 17th & 18th. This show is sponsored by NJ’s Division of Fish & Wildlife to show New Jersey’s residents the many fishing (fresh & salt) and hunting opportunities that our state has for its residents and guests. There were numerous booths that people could go to learn about hunting, fishing, environmental issues, and other exhibits that showed blacksmiths and women spinning wool in colonial era attire. Members of the JCAA worked at the NJOA booth to answer questions that people had on fishing issues. Approximately, 4,000 to 5,000 people attended this event that was coupled with beautiful weather.
Tom Fote reported that he and NJOA Executive Chairman Anthony Mauro met recently with DEP Commissioner Robert Martin to talk about a number of issues affecting hunters and anglers including the Pots Off the Reef legislation. Another important issue that was raised was the ongoing lack of funding for the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Tom also commented that Commissioner Martin would get back to both him and Anthony Mauro on the issues that were raised at this meeting.
Tom Fote also reported that he had a discussion with Assemblyman Benson about dedicated funding for various programs and the concern that these funds, even though they had dedicated status, could be raided in the future to raise money for possible budgetary shortfalls. Assemblyman Benson indicated that specific legislation could be inserted in the dedicated funds so that these funds could not be touched in future discussions concerning the development of state budgets or other state programs. There has always been concern about the security of possible dedicated funds for future fishing and hunting issues. This legal maneuver may be the way to resolve this issue.
Discussion turned to issue of menhaden stocks and their ongoing decline. Menhaden stocks are so important as a forage fish for a variety of species and the stocks are being depleted for a variety of reasons, especially the Omega industry based in Virginia, NJOA members were encouraged to voice their concern about this issue at a September 29th hearing in Toms River held by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission concerning Daft Addendum V that may place restrictions on the amount of menhaden that can be harvested.
