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Highly Migratory Species Report
by John T. Koegler
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association January 1994 Newsletter)
In an extraordinary development, the National Fishermen's Association, a JCAA affiliate, had their proposal to restrict high-tech offshore net fishing published in the Federal Register on December 22, 1993. NMFS has requested public comment by February 22, 1994. At our December meeting, Phil Kozak, NFA president, explained the proposal and the JCAA Tuna Committee voted unanimously to support it.
A petition supporting the proposal is included in this newsletter with a copy of the Federal Register listing on the back. Please make copies for your club members, get them signed and return them to NMFS before the comment deadline. Club members should also write to NMFS, their congressmen and state legislators to explain their position on this important proposal.
JCAA has invited Roland Schmitten, the new head of NMFS, to attend a symposium on the New Jersey Big Game Recreational Fishery. He has agreed to attend the Saturday event. A date will be set for a weekend in March or early April and will be announced in the February newsletter. This symposium is an ambitious undertaking and JCAA needs the support and attendance of interested club reps and members. Attendance will be limited to about 200 persons, with breakfast and lunch being provided. Cost will be $15 per person to cover the cost of the meals. Topics to be covered include the history of big game recreational fishing in New Jersey and the socio-economic impact it generates on businesses in the state and around the nation.
JCAA will have a booth at the Philadelphia Boat Show. This is the best attended show in the area and runs from January 22 through 30 at the Philadelphia Civic Center. Club members who live in PA are requested to schedule time and assist in manning the display. We need your help to explain JCAA's contribution to protect marine recreational fishing and the resources that it depends on. We are actively seeking new associate and member clubs. More South Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania fishing clubs and businesses must become more involved in the protection of our marine resources and saltwater fishing and JCAA is the best vehicle for effective involvement. We need your help. It's a nine day show and John says "No Excuses!" To help, contact John Koegler at 215-687-2208.