I have heard some criticism directed at the JCAA because of its stance supporting a bag limit of two stripers even though the proposed regulation will meet the 25% mandated reduction in striper mortality. I realize that many striper fishermen are very passionate about their sport and many are very vocal about their position regarding the pending change in our striper regulations. Therefore, I believe this is an opportune time to explain how the JCAA reaches decisions on matters like this. It is not up to me as President to decide what position JCAA will take, nor is it up to our legislative chairman Tom Fote or for that matter our entire board; rather it is up to our member clubs. Representatives from each club are invited to attend the JCAA monthly general membership meetings. At these meetings any representative may make a motion for JCAA to take a stance on a particular topic. The other reps then vote on the motion and if it passes, it becomes the official position of the JCAA. Sometimes it is not as simple as that though. For instance, if the topic is controversial such as the pending striper regulations, the vote might be postponed until the next meeting so that the reps will have an opportunity to explain the situation to their clubs so that they can each formulate their own positions before voting for the JCAA position. Even though the majority rules, there is no animosity towards the dissenting clubs and they are encouraged to have their voices heard by the appropriate authorities.
Recently the New Jersey of Bureau of Marine Fisheries submitted two proposals to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission regarding striped bass. These proposals were formulated due to our state and others being allowed to do so under what is known as conservation equivalency. More specifically, the two proposals our state is seeking approval on is one bass at 29-36" with a second bass over 36" and one bass at 28"-42" with a second bass over 42". The bonus bass program will probably remain the same but will be more tightly monitored. The quota for this program will be less and with an expected increase in demand for bonus cards, the season will have to be shut down if the quota is reached. The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council is expected to accept public comments on these options as well as those previously approved by the addendum at their meeting on January 8, 2015. The meeting will begin at 4 PM and will be held at the Galloway Twp. Branch of the Atlantic Co. Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Rd., Galloway, NJ 08205.
Another important aspect of this situation is that while the NJMFC has the authority to set regulations for most species, it does not have the authority to do so for striped bass. Regulations for stripers must be set through legislation. JCAA intends to work with other influential groups with hope that we can reach a consensus and push a bill through that we all can live with. We would like to avoid what happened a number of years ago when there were several competing bills. That was a real problem and it was not until the ASMFC found New Jersey out of compliance that one of the bills was finally passed. The consequence of being out of compliance is that our striped bass fishery would be shut down. The addendum requires that all states have their new regulations in effect by 3/1/15 so we will have to urge our legislators to act quickly once we decide which option to support.
In regard to fluke, a new addendum will be released shortly for public comment. Various options that would revise the regionalization plan as well as a possible plan to go back to state-by-state measures are expected to be included in the addendum. There is a possibility that if we stick to the regionalization program that the southern portion of our state may be put in the region with states to our south or there may be a separate region for Delaware Bay. Part of the reason New Jersey was forced into a region with New York was because the ASMFC felt it was unfair for NJ anglers to have a smaller size limit than NY anglers fishing in similar waters. However, all the ASMFC did was transfer the problem to the Delaware Bay area. In 2014 New Jersey had an 18" size limit while Delaware had a 16" size limit. This caused a loss of revenue to various fishing-related businesses in the southern part of our state. JCAA pointed this out earlier this year and is seeking a fairer resolution for 2015. However, when all is said and done my guess is that most if not all of our state will end up with similar regulations as we had in 2014. This is due to the fact that the coast wide quota as well as the quota for our region was pretty much on target.
The situation regarding sea bass is much worse though. I have not had time to review the recent MRIP numbers but from what I have been told the quota was significantly over fished. This may result in more stringent regulations for 2015.
Elections for all JCAA officers will take place at our meeting on 12/30. Some nominations have been made but additional ones may be made at the meeting prior to the vote.
Also, remember, JCAA is a 501 C-3 organization, and if you want to make an end-of-year donation to JCAA it would be tax deductible.
Good Tides To All - Paul
