Well, the JCAA dinner was a big success and I would like to thank dinner co-chairmen, Dan Miller and Paul Turi for the great job they did in putting this event together. Thanks, too, to the other committee members who helped out, all of our generous sponsors and to all those who supported JCAA in one way or another at the affair. Again, congratulations to our Sportsperson of the Year Award Recipient, Bill Mackintosh and to our Youth Education Award winner, Tim Burden.
Don Marantz has been doing a great job with our super 50/50 as well. We have collected approximately $4000 so far so there will be some really nice payouts for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes. The drawing will be held on 12/10/15 so there is still time to purchase tickets. For tickets call our office at 732-506-6565 or contact Don at donmarantz@optonline.net.
Thankfully, reef regulations are now in effect that prohibit pots from being placed on over 80% of the Axel Carlson and Sandy Hook Reefs. For the exact coordinates and more information please read Ken Warchal's article. I have not been out to the Axel Carlson to see if the pots have been removed because I have been concentrating on stripers. We have had a pretty good run so far this fall. However, I encourage those who see pots on the reefs where they are no longer allowed or people fishing for stripers in the EEZ or any other violations to contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife Bureau of Law Enforcement at 609-259-2120 for violations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties and 856-629-0555 for violations in southern New Jersey.
The next step is to seek SMZ status for our reefs in federal waters. This will be another battle as the commercial fishing groups will strongly oppose this. Below is a portion of an email I received from Captain Pete Grimbilas of Reef Rescue: As promised by the Christie administration, Assistant Commissioner Rich Boornazian sent a letter petitioning the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC) to remove all fixed gear traps from NJ’s remaining (13) reefs that lie in federal waters. See this link to the DEP letter petitioning for Pots Off Reefs in NJ federal waters.
The state has also started the permit process needed to commence construction of the new ‘compromise reef’ that is charted just two miles due east of Manasquan Inlet. The proposed reef site, which was agreed to by both recreational and commercial fishermen, will encompass one square mile and will actually be larger than the small dual-use portions of state reefs where fixed gear trapping will still be permitted. The new reef will be restricted to hook, line and spear fishing only.
So congratulate everyone who was part of the ’traps off the reef’ effort, slap each other on the back, great job, and thank the Commissioner and Governor but get braced for the next battle at the MAFMC federal level.
There's a real need to stay vigilant and involved! The commercial industry has already vowed to strongly oppose any SMZ request on NJ’s offshore reefs. Delaware achieved SMZ status last year and now it's our turn! So to fortify our position, continue to collect signed petitions, get ready to write some letters, watch for Reef Rescue and NJOA’s action alerts, and above all, plan to attend and be vocal at the MAFMC hearings.
At the next MAFMC meeting, Assistant Commissioner Boornazian has asked for time to request SMZs thereby starting the 2-4 year process. Please try to attend this most important kick-off meeting. The dates are next month, December 7-10, 2015 in Annapolis, MD. Reef Rescue will publicize the date and time scheduled for SMZ discussions. Your involvement could make the difference.
Thanks to all for your continued support and for our recent successes! Hope to see you in Annapolis, Captain Pete Grimbilas.
The next general meeting will be held on 11/24. Nominations for officers will be accepted at that time. Please consider running for one of the positions. Those interested may contact Nominations Chairman Don Marantz. Also, feel free to bring a guest from your club or another club to this meeting as we need to get some new people involved. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
SEASONS GREETINGS
JCAA Wishes you and your family Happy Holidays!
We thank you for your continuing support of the JCAA! Without it we could not have accomplished all of our objectives during this year.
This has been a challenging year for JCAA. There are ongoing costs associated with trips that are required for JCAA volunteers to represent anglers at fishing-related meetings in Washington and other locations throughout the country, especially in Trenton where legislation affecting our fisheries and environmental issues is passed. In addition to the administrative costs associated with mailings, office rentals, etc., the JCAA actively supports youth educational programs and staff show youths how to fish and enjoy this sport. The JCAA also supports scientific research that is sorely needed by the recreational community. All of the activities of the JCAA are done by volunteer staff, with the exception of an Office Manager who is needed to handle required administrative activities.
The JCAA is a 501.C3 organization and donations that are given to it are eligible for tax deduction purposes. The year 2015 is rapidly coming to a close and during this time period individuals and businesses often make contributions to charities and organizations that provide a tax deduction benefit.
Please consider providing a donation to the JCAA. Your donation will help us to fight for and protect the fishing rights for all recreational anglers who fish in New Jersey. You also benefit since your donation can be used to reduce your 2015 tax assessment. If your company provides for a matching donation, you may be able to double your contribution.
Please make your check out to the Jersey Coast Anglers Association and mail it to:
JCAA 1594 Lakewood Road Victoria Plaza Unit 13 Toms River, NJ 08755
Thank you so much for your continued support! May your holidays be joyful and may you have a very Prosperous and a Healthy New Year!
