The regulation which restricts potting on the Axel Carlson and Sandy Hook Reefs has been in effect since November 2nd. As you know, it restricts potting to specifically defined areas known as “Full Access Zones.” These are the only areas where pots may be deployed. The remainder of each reef is off limits. Unfortunately, there are many pots that have not been removed from the recreational fishing only zones. It may be that the potters are ignorant of the regulation or they are testing this new regulation. It behooves them to comply since the penalties for non-compliance are severe.
The regulation states that any person who deploys or tends to lobster, fish or conch pots outside the full access zones or between sunset and sunrise shall be subject to the following:
The pot line strings may contain no more than 20 pots. The pot lines must be marked with buoys or flags either individually or at the beginning and end of a string. Deployment or tending of gear not properly marked with a buoy or flag or setting of strings with more than 20 pots shall be subject to the following:
There are provisions for forgiveness if the violator doesn’t commit other violations in a subsequent 3 year time frame.
If you observe pots in the recreational fishing only zone, report them to NJ Fish and Wildlife Marine Enforcement at 609-748-2050. Take a photo of your GPS screen or jot down the lat/long position of the pots to document the location. If you see a potter tending to gear in the recreational fishing only areas, take a photo of the vessel and try to get its name. Again, report it to NJF&W Marine Enforcement. It’s been a very long and difficult road to get this regulation enacted and now:
Go to the JCAA website for charts showing the lat/long numbers for the full access zones on both reefs. The sections outlined in red are the only areas where potting is permitted. Print out the charts and keep them on your boat for use as a quick reference.
