CNBNews

Data from a recently completed angler survey provides further assurance there may be more trout in New Jersey waters now, than at any time during the spring season. The survey of New Jersey anglers revealed that 49% of our trout anglers release all the trout they catch and about one-third release some of the trout they catch. Only 11% of anglers keep all the trout they catch. That means many of the more than 600,000 trout stocked this spring are still swimming in New Jersey trout waters.
A great weekend weather forecast, ideal water temperatures and levels, the growing trend of catch and release by New Jersey trout anglers and the Pequest Hatchery's fabulous production and stocking season combine to set the stage for a 'perfect storm' of action-packed trout fishing over the Memorial Day Weekend.

Don't miss out on some time outdoors and the chance to experience what may be this spring's best weekend of New Jersey trout fishing. Anglers who haven't been fishing yet this year can buy and print fishing licenses and trout stamps quickly and conveniently online at http://www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/ or at any license agent location listed at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/agentlst.htm. Extensive information on New Jersey trout fishing, trout stocked waters and fishing tips can be viewed at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spring.htm.

ASSEMBLYMAN CHIUSANO TO CHAIR NEW JERSEY ANGLER AND HUNTER CONSERVATION CAUCUS

TRENTON -   Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, of the 24^TH Legislative District (Sussex, Part of Morris, and Hunterdon Counties), will take over as the Republican Co-Chair of the New Jersey Angler and Hunter Conservation Caucus.

The conservation caucus is growing and already has 26 members from both parties and was established to promote responsible enjoyment and protection of New Jersey's diverse natural resources.  

Assemblyman Chiusano states, "Anglers and hunters initiated the conservation movement, which was originally spearheaded by President Teddy Roosevelt. I am proud to play a role in continuing the rich history of the conservation movement along with the participation of all conservationists, whether they are foresters, hikers, bikers, bird watchers, campers, anglers, hunters or anyone dedicated to environmental stewardship."

"Sustainable use of our natural resources is critical to protecting New Jersey's rich and diverse environment. Our natural resources are the building blocks of ecosystems that are essential to the health and well-being of all New Jerseyans. We each have an obligation to ensure they remain vigorous for future generations," Assemblyman Chiusano added.

The NJ Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus is a bi-partisan group, organized in part to address the needs of New Jersey citizens who fish, hunt, and pursue other outdoor activities. It was formed to make certain there is access to public lands and ensure New Jersey has sound conservation measures in place.            

"Assemblyman Chiusano has a record of environmental awareness that will be extremely helpful in advancing the mission of the conservation caucus," said New Jersey Outdoor Conservation Foundation Chairman Anthony P. Mauro, Sr. "We are fortunate to have him as part of a leadership team that will not only safeguard our environment but recognizes the significant economic contributions of New Jersey's anglers and hunters. Spending by Garden State anglers and hunters directly supports 16,000 jobs, which provides $585 million of wages for working residents and generates $109 million in state and local taxes."

Assemblyman Chiusano is currently working with co-chairs and members to develop the caucus' priorities for this legislative session.

JOIN NJOA:  http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

NJOA: Bill S-1957 Possible Violation of Federal Policy

Belmar, NJ Bill S-1597 was recently introduced by Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-District 1) that would divide New Jersey's two state-managed artificial reef sites for commercial and recreational use. The New Jersey Outdoor Conservation Foundation strongly opposes the measure.

NJOA(CF) has a history of testifying before senate and assembly committees that commercial fixed gear on artificial reefs act to obstruct recreational access. Although commercial fishing on artificial reefs is not a violation of Federal Aid to Sportfishing regulations and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Policies, State Grant Programs 522 FW22 are explicit that such use cannot interfere with the purposes for which the lands are managed. In New Jersey's case the artificial reefs were constructed and are managed for the purposes of recreational anglers and sport divers.

"Federal regulations and policy are used as the basis of grant programs that provide federal funding for artificial reef management. Violation of the grant objectives may not only cause New Jersey to forfeit federal funding, but fines may also be assessed retroactively for all years New Jersey is found to be out of compliance," said NJOA(CF) chairman Anthony P Mauro Sr. He went on to say "Retroactive fines could cost the state millions of dollars."

NJOA(CF) council members JCAA, Reef Rescue and NJ Council of Divers have also been involved in discussions with legislators seeking compromise between commercial and recreational representatives. Unfortunately, Federal regulations and policy do not appear to provide areas of compromise when commercial activities interfere with the purposes for which the artificial reefs are managed.

"In fact," said Mauro, "In a letter addressed to me from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, the department proclaims unequivocal support for restricting fishing on the reefs to hook-and-line and spear and removal of fixed gear." The letter was partly in response to a NJOA(CF) request for clarification on artificial reef usage and may also have been prompted by a separate letter from the US Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.      
NJDEP has stated it would also petition the federal government to have fixed gear removed from the artificial reefs in federal waters. Additionally, it is recommended that a comprehensive state policy detailing pot limits might be useful in reducing gear conflicts, although it is not necessary for the petitioning or removal of fixed gear.

"We can easily deceive ourselves into believing the matter is complicated by politicizing the issue, pointing fingers and attempting to insert ourselves into resolving bigger issues such as turf conflicts," Mauro said. "But the essence of the issue is as simple as doing the right thing for the right reason. New Jersey's 800,000 recreational anglers deserve better than Bill S-1957. It does not adequately address the problems caused by commercial fixed gear on artificial reefs, would be difficult to enforce and if it became law might formalize New Jersey's violation of federal regulations and policy, an act that would jeopardize federal funding."

JOIN NJOA:  http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html