NJ Artificial Reefs in Federal Waters

[njdiver]

To be published on Monday:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/07/09/2018-14661/fisheries-of-the-northeastern-united-states-special-management-zones-for-13-new-jersey-artificial



https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2018-14661.pdf

[njdiver]

Fishing at 13 Artificial Reef Sites in New Jersey is Limited to Handline, Rod and Reel, and Spear Fishing

Goes Into Effect August 8, 2018

Today, NOAA Fisheries filed the final rule to designate 13 New Jersey artificial reef sites as special management zones. This action:

Establishes year-round special management zones for 13 New Jersey artificial reefs.

Allows only handline, rod and reel, or spear fishing (including the taking of fish by hand) in these areas.

This action will be effective on August 8, 2018. Vessels must remove all pot/trap gear from these reef sites prior to this date.

Read the final rule as filed in the Federal Register, and the permit holder bulletin available on our website.

Questions?

Media: Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, 978-281-9175
Fishermen: Contact Travis Ford, Regional Office, 978-281-9233.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Interesting and here are the reefs effected

[Mako231]

it doesn't cover sandy hook reef which has been decimated by commercial fisherman, or axel Carson. Y not ?

[Capt Joe]

..... currently permitted in Federal water by the U.S. Corps of
Engineers (COE), as special management zones (SMZ) under the black sea bass
provisions of the Council's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery
Management Plan (FMP), 50 CFR 648.148.

[Angler Paul]

Sandy Hook and Axel Carlson reefs are in state waters and have been protected from pots except for a couple relatively small areas for about a year now.

[Chelsea-Sea]

If the axel is covered then why every time I go across there do I have to dodge pots of one type or another?

[Angler Paul]

If the axel is covered then why every time I go across there do I have to dodge pots of one type or another?

If pots are on the prohibited portion of the reef notify the law enforcement division of our bureau of marine fisheries and the will send a boat out to rectify the problem. Here is an article that explains the situation. http://www.thefisherman.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=1262&ParentCat=19.

[frugalfisherman]

[QUOTE=Angler Paul;511997]If pots are on the prohibited portion of the reef notify the law enforcement division of our bureau of marine fisheries and the will send a boat out to rectify the problem.

Wouldn't it be better if law enforcement went out there once in a while and removed the pots rather than waiting for a call?

[captmark]

Some of the pots on both reefs are from Rutgers and are there only doing research. Look at the pots and they will have some markings stating that they are from Rutgers and they have a red marking on them, but yes their are also some recreational pots also with poor markings we got one last year.