AGROUP of fishing organizations from New Jersey and New York has filed suit against the National Marine Fisheries Service to prevent implementation of the regulations governing sharks and yellowfin tuna.
The regulations, which are expected to go into effect tomorrow, are grossly unfair to recreational anglers while almost favoring the commercial interests, who, in effect, caused the depletion of the fisheries.
“The arrogance of the NMFS and their refusal to correct the inequities in the plan left this coalition no choice but to move ahead with the lawsuit,” said Tom Fote, a spokesman for the Jersey Coast Anglers Association.
“This coalition is not against conservation. We are simply opposed to regulations that are not fair and equitable under the Magnuson Act.
“We are tired of the NMFS ignoring federal regulations and making plans that unfairly impact the recreational community. You need look no further than the shark regulations in this plan.”
The JCAA and many other recreational fishing groups have asked for a six-foot minimum size on mako sharks for both recreational and commercial anglers for over 13 years. The only size restrictions have been placed on the recreational sector.
The only quota restriction, a two-fish bag limit, has been placed on the recreational anglers – none on commercial fishermen.
The organizations listed as plaintiffs are: the National Fishing Association and its executive director, Phil Kozak; the Recreational Fishing Alliance; JCAA, the United Boatmen of New Jersey and New York; Capt. Gordon Roman, owner of the Captree Queen; Capt. Paul Forsberg of the Viking Fleet of Montauk; the Confederation of the Association of Atlantic Charter Boats and Captains; and the Reel Seat, Brielle.
So far it’s been New Jersey that has taken the leadership role, with some support from a few in New York, in the fight against the NMFS.
“I find it disturbing that other national and state groups have been silent on this plan,” said Fote. “It is difficult to meet with federal regulators and have them tell me that they are only hearing from New Jersey. This plan impacts on the entire East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.”
Fote believes the entire recreational community from across the U.S. needs to get on board. “Even if you don’t fish for yellowfin tuna or mako shark, the fish you want to catch could be next,” added Fote.
*The new Fish Unlimited fish tags are now available to members of the organization as well as non-members. The new tag design allows anglers to fasten the tags onto the tail dorsal or pectoral fins of any species of fish with a simple pliers type applicator where it stays for the life of the fish generating data.
More important is the 100 percent survival rate of properly handled and released fish due to the tag’s safety.
“We wanted a safer tag that would continue to generate data for the colleges and universities we make our data available to,” said Julie Fanelli, ” and after two years of trying various designs settled on this one.” The Fish Unlimited tag is available through the organization’s main office by calling (516) 749-3474.
The cost is $12 for the 10 tags, data cards and applicator, and then $5 afterwards for 10 tags and data cards.
James Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance, will be the guest speaker at the Hudson River Fishermen’s Assn. monthly meeting next Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the Ridgefield Park VFW Hall, 109 Bergen Turnpike, Ridgefield Park, N.J.
Donofrio will discuss and explain the importance of the local striped bass fishery and why we must ensure that the fishery remains predominately a recreational resource. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, contact Charles Stamm at (201) 837-2400.