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by Gary Dickerson
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 1994 Newsletter)
The JCAA Striped Bass Committee will be reforming as soon as possible. If you were on the committee last year, and wish to continue in 1994, please contact Paul Smith.
The striped bass situation is becoming more complex and confusing each year. We are now being asked for input on the regulations for 1995 while we are still unsure of the New Jersey regulations for 1994. When the Chesapeake stocks of striped bass are considered recovered, we will see intense pressure by commercial interests to greatly increase their allotment of the catch in many states.
The JCAA lead the successful fight to make striped bass a no sale game fish in New Jersey. We began an effort to make the striped bass a game fish, on the federal level, along the entire East coast with Rep. Frank Pallone's bill HR-393.
HR- 393 is now supported by the entire New Jersey delegation in Congress and has support from some congressmen in other states.
It has become increasingly apparent that many decisions made on the management of striped bass are done for political reasons. The recommendations of scientific committees are often ignored in favor of special interests. The JCAA feels that the only way to maintain a fully restored stock of striped bass along the entire East coast will be to eliminate the commercial pressure on the species. We can not take a chance that a miscalculation of commercial catch could once again place the stocks of striped bass in distress.
We have seen increased interest to support passage of HR-393 by fishermen's organizations in several states on the East coast,. Unfortunately, JCAA has not been working on this bill as a top priority recently. We have seen the rapid decline of many species of fish that are of great importance to the inshore and offshore recreational fisherman. The JCAA has some dedicated people working hard to promote fair regulations to help these various species to recover. Several of these persons are working on several projects at the same time because separate volunteers are not available for each important issue. Something had to suffer and this time it was the effort to pass HR-393.
It is of the utmost importance to form a JCAA Striped Bass Game Fish Committee. This committee will consist of persons willing to dedicate the time needed to accomplish the passage of HR-393. They will have to work with New Jersey Congressmen and Senators to assure their continued support for this Bill. Sportsmen's organizations and coalitions in all of the East Coast states and throughout the rest of the country must be contacted for support. Please remember, this legislation must be passed by a majority of the House and Senate and signed by the President to become law. This probably will not happen quickly or easily so those interested in becoming involved must learn the process and expect a tough fight. Please contact Pres. Paul Smith or Legislative Chairman Tom Fote if you have questions or wish to join this effort.