PRESIDENT'S CORNER
By Bill Degnan
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 1995 Newsletter)
It seems every time I go someplace, I get asked the same question, "Why do commercial fishermen always get what they want, while recreational fishermen get saddled with increased regulations that make it seem hardly worthwhile to go fishing anymore?" There is a very simple answer. The commercial sector is united, organized, well financed and its participants attend fisheries management meetings with a well thought out "plan of attack." The commercial sector is fighting for it's livelihood,
while recreational fishermen only seemed worried about taking home some fish for dinner. Part of the problem is that the industries that provide goods and services for sport fishermen have never been politically active like the commercial sector, which has paid lobbyists covering every level of government and the management process. But much of the blame lies in our laps, too.
Recreational anglers, who greatly outnumber and outspend the commercial sector, are not united. Sure, there are associations that represent us and the JCAA is, without a doubt, one of the most effective. JCAA is organized, but only to a point.We have research committees and hold regular monthly committee, board and general meetings. The information we obtain is discussed at committee and board levels, disseminated in the monthly newsletter and voted on to obtain a majority opinion and plan of action on specific issues. All important positions taken by JCAA are established by a majority vote at our monthly meetings. Not every person or member club might agree with all positions approved by the majority, but to present a united front and a strong position, we must all support the position of the majority.
JCAA is a voice that has become prominent and well recognized, but it is still a small voice in a large choir. Many individuals and clubs learned years ago that they can not fight the establishment all by themselves. It takes an organization of many voices to be heard and to have our positions recognized and heeded. The larger JCAA grows, the louder our voice gets and more talented people with greater expertise become involved, lending greater credibility to our arguments. This all allows us to make a stronger case for the recreational fishermen's side on critical issues.
Its been estimated that there are over 3 million sport fishermen that fish the waters of New Jersey, alone. The economy of shore area communities benefit when anglers fish here. Tackle shops, charter and party boats, restaurants, gas stations, motels, marinas, bait shops and the state tax coffers all benefit. It's an economic cycle that benefits a lot of people, provides jobs, generates tax revenues and has far reaching effects both locally and nationally, so it seems incredible that it is so hard to get fisheries managers and politicians to open their eyes to our plight. If recreational fishermen are not happy with regulations, if fish are not plentiful enough to provide a reasonable expectation of catching something, they won't take as many fishing trips, or quit fishing altogether. When that happens, the gravy train stops for all those businesses.
We may not be fighting for our livelihood, but the economy suffers from over regulated and frustrated anglers who choose not to fish anymore. The next time you talk to a business owner where you fish, mention this to them and tell them how important their support is in helping active sport fishermen fight for fair representation in fishery management plans. Tell them how important this association is to obtaining these goals and tell them they can help by supporting JCAA as a sponsor.
If you belong to a fishing club that is not a member of JCAA, then ask why not and let your club officers know that you want to be a voice in the fight to save our marine fisheries from commercial over exploitation and for the rights of sport fishermen. We all benefit or suffer from regulations. We have the chance of benefiting from a larger association, with a stronger voice that will improve the situation. It is very much up to you, up to each and every one of us, so get involved!