2023 Fluke Regs Finalized!
Much to the dismay of the majority of fluke fishermen in our state, we are being forced by NOAA/ASMFC/MAFMC to have the exact same fluke regs as last year. This includes the season, bag and size limits. Therefore, our season will run from May 2nd through September 27th with a limit of just one fish 18” or greater AND 2 fish from 17-17.99”. The special regulations for Delaware Bay, 3 fish 17” or greater and Island Beach State Park, 2 fish at 16” or greater remain the same. There is nothing at all our state can do about it. The NJBMF was all set to consider other options but they cannot do it. Please do not blame them. This applies to all states, it's not just New Jersey.
What happened was that for 2023 a new model is being used. Initially data was plugged in from last year which showed that we could have a 10% liberalization. A week or so later they decided to use data from the last 5 years rather than just one year. That would have resulted in us having to take a 10% reduction. A lot of people were really upset about that and the ASMFC and MAFMC then agreed that we should have status quo measures but it was unclear if conservation equivalency could be used. Apparently, NOAA then approved status quo measures provided that each state maintains the exact same regulations that they had in 2022.
Sea Bass and Scup Regs to be Set on 3/2
Below is a breakdown of the final four sea bass and scup regulations for New Jersey in 2023. All of these options resulted in the 10% cut (or more) mandated by NOAA. These are the proposals that were submitted by our state to the ASMFC. It is highly unlikely that any other options will be considered. This is the beginning of an eco-system management approach which is why the sea bass and scup regulations are tied together. Our fisheries managers are now taking into account that these two species are often caught at the same time and locations whether the season for one or the other is open or closed. The ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Board will be meeting at 10:30 AM on 3/2 to consider final approval of these proposals as well as those submitted by the other states/regions. On that same day the NJBMFC will meet at 5 PM to decide which option will become law. Prior to that decision, the public may give their opinions on the various options by attending in person at the Atlantic County Library, Galloway Branch located at 306 E Jimmie Leeds Rd., Galloway or by signing up for the webinar at this link. In the event you have trouble with the link just google NJ Marine Fisheries Council Meetings.
All Sea Bass options include a 12 ½” size limit for all seasons. All options for scup include a 10” size limit and a 30 fish bag limit.