DEP Release: Christie Administration Will Create Artificial Reef for Recreational Fi

[njdiver]

CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION WILL CREATE ARTIFICIAL REEF FOR RECREATIONAL FISHING
DEP PLAN TO BALANCE ACCESS TO REEFS

(13/P25) TRENTON - The Christie Administration has developed a compromise between recreational and commercial fishing interests regarding access to artificial reefs off the coast of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner (DEP) Bob Martin announced today.

The plan will allow commercial interests to have continued access to portions of two reefs in state waters and calls for the construction of a new reef exclusively for recreational fishing, also in state waters.

"The Christie Administration recognizes that recreational and commercial fishing are each vital to New Jersey's economy," Commissioner Martin said. "The commercial and recreational saltwater fishing industries provide enormous benefits to New Jersey, generating combined revenues of about $2.5 billion per year. We are confident that this compromise will address the needs of commercial fishermen and recreational anglers, and will result in restoration of federal funding that is vital to a program that provides tremendous benefits to our state."

The DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife holds permits for 15 artificial reef sites - 13 in federal waters and two in state waters. The reefs, encompassing a total of 25 square miles of ocean floor, are constructed from a variety of materials, such as rocks, concrete and steel, even old ships and barges. These materials provide surfaces for a wide diversity of marine organisms to grow, ultimately providing food and shelter for fish.

Under the DEP's plan, commercial fishermen will be permitted to continue using portions of two existing reefs in state waters off Sandy Hook and Manasquan. State waters extend from the shoreline to three miles offshore. Recreational fishermen will continue to have access to all portions of these reefs.

In addition, a new reef, encompassing about a square mile of ocean floor, will be constructed in state waters in an area north of Barnegat Inlet to be used exclusively for recreational fishing. The Division of Fish and Wildlife will apply for a DEP Division of Land Use Regulation permit and will seek to amend a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for this project.

This new reef will encompass roughly the same area as the portions of existing state waters reefs that commercial fishermen will be allowed to use. The new reef will take one to two years to design and build and two to five years to become fully productive.

"I thank the Christie Administration, Commissioner Martin and legislators for understanding the importance of resolving fixed gear conflicts on reefs in state and federal waters, and for their commitment to take action,'' said Anthony Mauro, Chairman of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, an organization representing recreational fishing groups. "Commissioner Martin's pledge is a giant step towards resolving gear conflicts, and addresses many concerns expressed by recreational anglers. Though the restoration of federal funding to the New Jersey Reef Program is requisite for a final resolution, we are very encouraged by the prospect of an equitable conclusion to what has long been an obstinate problem.''

The plan is expected to resolve federal concerns that commercial fishing is intruding on and hampering recreational fishing on artificial reefs in state waters, which are funded by excise taxes on recreational fishing gear and motor boat fuel. Costs to obtain, clean and deploy suitable material also is supported by private donations.

As the plan is implemented, the DEP will petition the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore nearly $250,000 in annual funding for artificial reef research, improvements and maintenance that has been withheld as a result of this issue.

Funding restored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be used to pay for a portion of this project. Donations from both the commercial and recreational fishing communities could also help pay for construction. The DEP, in consultation with stakeholders and the Army Corps of Engineers, will finalize a site for the new reef, which is expected to cost about $200,000 to design and build.

Under the plan, the DEP will petition the federal Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council for Special Management Zone designation which would allow the DEP to prohibit commercial gear on all 13 existing artificial reefs in federal waters. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has sole authority over reefs in federal waters.

Artificial reefs are extremely popular with anglers and divers, contributing to the state's economy through the creation of tourism opportunities and jobs. New Jersey's commercial fishing industry ranks 7th in the nation in retail sales, and supports $327 million in salaries and wages and nearly 13,000 jobs

Recreational saltwater fishing brings in more than $640 million in retail sales and is directly responsible for nearly 10,000 jobs and more than $242 million in tax revenues, including $165 million in state and local taxes.

For more information on New Jersey's Artificial Reef Program, visit:

http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/artreef.htm

[stevelikes2fish]

Bulls**t............plain and simple!!!! Get the dam pots off the reefs, PERIOD!

[frugalfisherman]

Bulls**t............plain and simple!!!! Get the dam pots off the reefs, PERIOD!

They better be off or I'm voting Dem the first time in my life.

[dfish28]

Too much commercial involvement already ... We paid for these reefs, not commercial ... Let them go to the natural and shut the F&$k up , did I say we recreational paid for this... Get the commercial guys off our reefs!!!
There is plenty of structure to let them on, cum on wtf!!!!thats all I have to say... We paid for it ... It's ours... Go find your own rock!!!!x3

[Capt Sal]

Too much commercial involvement already ... We paid for these reefs, not commercial ... Let them go to the natural and shut the F&$k up , did I say we recreational paid for this... Get the commercial guys off our reefs!!!
There is plenty of structure to let them on, cum on wtf!!!!thats all I have to say... We paid for it ... It's ours... Go find your own rock!!!!x3
They also put gill nets on the reefs!!!

[fishguy]

That fat bastard is a sell out. How will a reef around Barnaget help guys anywhere else where commercial gear is set? Total BS. Christie got some kudos from me for NOT being invited to CPAC b/c of his handling of Sandy (actually working with the President, oh the horror!!!). But he's back to reality now, selling out to the highest bidder.

[Cuz]

Our two best reefs are still going to be a cluster screw. I agree there is thousands of rough bottom spots they know and use. They don't really need these reefs to make a liiving. I wish there was a way to keep track on the poundage of fish, lobsters and crabs they actually keep off the reefs. Bet that would be an eye opener.

[june181901]

Once again money (political contributions) wins out and the average Joe is ignored! Please remember next election day as it is the only wat to have our voices heard!

[stevelikes2fish]

And I now see an e-mail I just received from the NJOA saying how pleased they are with the DEP release. Well, they just lost my support!!

[buckfin732]

It's all fun and games till floats and hi fliers get cut off at night.

[dales529]

Once it gets to the State or Federal level ( Politics) which it ALWAYS does, its actually another case of FUNDING a cause. Some do it better than others. We (recreational anglers) don't do it as well as "others"
Support your clubs!.

[Angler Paul]

I know that the NJOA favors the compromise and believe that the RFA and Garden State Seafood also support it. However, the JCAA has always voted for no compromise so that is our current stance. The matter will discussed at our general membership meeting tomorrow night but I do not expect our posiotion to change. Below is Tom's Fote's artcicle from the JCAA April newsletter which explains why we mosly likely continue to be opposed to any compromise.

Paul Haertel
2nd VP JCAa

Pots Off the Reefs: No Compromise! by Tom Fote

I am asking all the member clubs of JCAA to say no to the compromise proposed by DEP. That compromise does not eliminate pots from all of New Jersey’s artificial reefs. It sets a bad precedent for our hope to remove all pots from the federal reefs as well. JCAA is always committed to fighting battles for the long term and to look at the future of fishing for our children, not just ourselves. We should not give away our children’s legacies just because we are tired of the fight. I have been dealing with legislation and regulation for 35 years and my recommendation is that JCAA does not change our existing vote and continue to support the removal of all pots from New Jersey’s 15 artificial reefs. Please read the information below for a brief history. I hope this will help you understand why I am not supporting this compromise.

It has been an interesting two months in the continuing battle to remove all pots off the artificial reefs in New Jersey. There was great news from the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council when the Council moved forward to set up special management zones (SMZ) in federal waters for Delaware’s artificial reefs. After 18 months of discussion, the Council sent its recommendation to the Northeast Regional Director, John Bullock, recommending that these special management zones should be set up and exclude fish pots from Delaware’s artificial reefs in federal waters. The Council determined these reefs should be for hook and line and spear fishing. As an example, the Council cited that Delaware had already taken this step in state waters and this was a progression of the existing management for artificial reefs. I discussed this with the Northeast Regional Director and he commented that the reefs were built with recreational money and there should be no pots. After my conversation with him, I was confident that he would approve the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and order pots off Delaware’s reefs in federal waters.

As you all know, New Jersey’s recreational anglers have been pushing for the same action for our artificial reefs from both the state and federal government. Seven years ago, JCAA was asked to join a coalition under the banner of Reef Rescue to get the pots off New Jersey’s reefs. Under this umbrella there were many recreational groups in attendance at the first meetings. I represented JCAA and stated our position. JCAA was clear that this new organization must commit to no compromise on removing all pots from the reefs and stay the course for the long haul. JCAA had experience with long term projects such as making striped bass a game fish and removing the menhaden reduction boats from state waters. In both situations other partners in the coalitions had changed their stand in favor of commercial fishermen. From the beginning, JCAA was clear that we would not commit our energy and time if this new organization could not commit to the many years it would take to resolve this issue in our favor. We were assured by Reef Rescue and its members that everyone was committed to the long haul. After the first year, the Recreational Fishing Alliance decided to work more with the commercial fishermen to find a solution that would allow the commercial fishermen to continue to put pots on portions of the artificial reef. They dropped out of Reef Rescue and the remaining organizations moved forward in this coalition to move all pots off the reefs.

After Reef Rescue was in existence for a period of time, the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance was formed. Eventually Reef Rescue, NJSFSC, NJ Dive Council and JCAA joined the NJOA and removing the pots from the reefs became a high priority for all organizations. Reef Rescue, JCAA, the Dive Association, and many other recreational groups worked tirelessly to develop the contacts in the NJ Legislature that would be necessary to pass a favorable bill. Under the direction of the Senate Presidents (Cody & Sweeney) the favorable bill was passed by the full Senate in 3 separate sessions, including almost unanimous passage in the current session. In these 3 sessions there has been overwhelming support in the NJ Assembly. A majority of the Assembly are cosponsors to a bill that would remove Pots Off the Reefs. However, the Speaker (first Roberts & now Oliver) has never posted this legislation for a vote. They have allowed Assemblyman Albano to hold this bill in his committee and never allow for a hearing.

Assemblyman Albano and Senator Van Drew introduced a bill that would allow fish pots on up to 19% of the 2 state reefs. At the hearing on this bill, JCAA, Reef Rescue, NJOA, NJSFSC and every recreational group that testified opposed this bill with the exception of the RFA that spoke in favor of the bill. The Albano bill moved through the Assembly committee but was never posted for a vote by Speaker Oliver at our request. NJOA and Reef Rescue organized demonstrations outside the offices of Assemblymen Albano and Senator Van Drew outside their Cape May offices to protest this committee vote. That is where we stand right now with the legislation. JCAA has continued to hope that during the upcoming election season there would be enough pressure in the Assembly to get the favorable Senate Bill posted for a vote. We hope the continued work of the coalition would result in a vote.

When we first started working on to get the pots off the reefs, we tried to resolve the problem by developing regulations that would need approval by the NJ Marine Fisheries Council. I spent much time at meetings to no avail. When the NJ Marine Fisheries Council Pot Committee recommended their suggested compromise, it went nowhere. The commercial fishermen on the Council recommended a substitute proposal that was more to their liking. JCAA had little hope that we would get a solution through the NJ Marine Fisheries Council, since recreational anglers representatives on the council are in a minority. We have had the same problems when trying to work on solutions for menhaden and striped bass because of the lopsided membership in the Council and JCAA had to do it through legislation. It took awhile for our colleagues, who had less experience with the NJ Marine Fisheries Council, to realize legislation was the only hope of a positive solution.

About a year ago, DEP Commissioner Bob Martin made another attempt at a regulatory solution. There were many different proposals suggested, some of which were supported by JCAA, Reef Rescue and NJOA. The Commissioner asked if we would support creating additional artificial reefs that would allow for the inclusion of fish pots. The coalition would have supported this compromise. Of course, this proposal was turned down since a segment of the commercial community (scallopers, draggers and gill netters) oppose all artificial reefs. This is one of the reasons they are working with the potters, to keep them on the existing reefs and not have to deal with additional barriers as they fish. At various times throughout this process, members of JCAA, NJOA and Reef Rescue have voted overwhelmingly to maintain the existing policy and consider no compromise that would leave any pots on the existing reefs. I was clear with Commissioner Martin that JCAA would not support any compromise that did not meet this criteria.

[Angler Paul]

February 7th, Commissioner Martin sent the NJOA a draft proposal for regulations for the artificial reefs. As the Albano Bill allows pots on segments of the inshore reefs, so does the draft proposal from Commissioner Martin. To placate the recreational groups, Commissioner Martin pledged to work for the establishment of an additional artificial reef in state waters that would equal the percentages of space allowed for fish pots on the two exiting reefs. The letter is not legislation or actual regulation so it is a bit vague and not at all specific. As all of us know, the details are the crucial element in any settlement. The proposal is also for regulations which would need approval at the NJ Marine Fisheries Council. Our history there is not positive. It takes the Council forever to reach a decision and frequently what we thought might be a yes vote is changed to a no at the last minute. That starts the process all over again. This also delays any attempt to impact legislation since we can’t really work on legislation to remove all the pots if we have accepted a tentative compromise. My real concern is that any agreement to allow some access by potters to the inshore reefs will send a message to the Mid-Atlantic Council that a compromise would be okay for the reefs in federal waters. This would set us back years! There are some who believe the compromise on the table would allow New Jersey to use Sport Fish Restoration Fund for our artificial reef program. This logic is flawed. First, the Sport Fish Restoration money is already in the Bureau of Marine Fisheries budget, it just can’t be used for artificial reefs. Second, the administration could currently move money around in the budget to fund artificial reefs and the program. We just don’t see the commitment given how little money is currently available. There is no way to find the level of funding that was available in the past unless new money is added to the budget to replace moving the Sportfishing money back to artificial reefs.

For the last 18 months, it has become obvious that some of the leadership in the coalition is tired and frustrated. Some would like to accept a compromise just to make the problem go away. Unlike the members of JCAA who are accustomed to long-term battles, some of our allies have never been in this position before. At JCAA we don’t fight battles for just ourselves but for future anglers. We measure time in accomplishment not just days. We have worked for years to develop relationships with legislators based on honesty and commitment. It sends a bad message to them when we have held them to a higher standard than we have for ourselves. They had an opportunity to accept this compromise legislation but we told them no. Will they really believe us the next time we ask them to take a hard vote? In my time at JCAA I have worked with 8 Governors and multiple DEP Commissioners. Things change but legislation is a better guarantee. For all the reasons stated above, I am asking you to protect JCAA’s legacy and vote for the future.

[1captainron]

Point 1 : We could have had Lot's of reef addition years ago had the enviro's allowed hundreds of Subway cars to be put in place along the Jersey coast instead of sending them out of State, where they were welcomed with open arms!!

Point 2: By the time new structure and reefs are built, (If) they are built will most likely take 5 years. IN 5 years with the regs the way they are going, your not going to be allowed to fish for anything anyway.

Point 3: Why is it always the "Recs" that have to compromise??

Point 4: Where is the money going to come from now to build these reefs, the public certainly isn't going to contribute like they have in the past!!

[paulyfish]

Why would anybody be surprised at this move, especially after what we saw what the Governor didn't do (TWO times) to protect our Bunker.
I have said this over and over.
Pay attention to District 1. Cape May is driving the bus.
This is another great example of how much our millions of rec fishing revenue dollars of revenue and our votes are worth to our administration.
The recreational angling community and in this case, divers too, are getting the short end of the stick.AGAIN.

[Greg DiDomenico]

Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen...
This is my first post on this website infact I have only done this once or twice on a different site.
With that said I have been reading the comments on numerous sites regarding this topic and decided to send a short email to this thread.
Whatever the final outcome is, in states waters or in federal waters, I would be happy to attend any meeting to discuss these issues with any and all of you.
It is a difficult topic and we would all be much better off communicating in person.
Thank you
Greg DiDomenico
Garden State Seafood Association

[NoLimit]

If you have nothing to say now, I cant imagine you will at a meeting.

[Greg DiDomenico]

I am absolutley willing to attend a meeting to speak with concerned recreational folks on this topic.

Like many of the issues facing all of us there are not always simple answers but I beleive an open dialogue may create solutions.
Thanks

[stevelikes2fish]

Interesting read on page 13:

http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/2012/comregs12.pdf

[Capt Joe]

I am absolutley willing to attend a meeting to speak with concerned recreational folks on this topic.

Like many of the issues facing all of us there are not always simple answers but I beleive an open dialogue may create solutions.
Thanks

Nothing to discuss get your goddamn pots of the artificial reefs that WE paid for.
End of discussion

[stevelikes2fish]

Nothing to discuss get your goddamn pots of the artificial reefs that WE paid for.
End of discussion

Well stated Capt. !!!!!

[Greg DiDomenico]

Just thought I would offer a brief response to the previous posts;

1) In 1984, the NJDEP created the State Artificial Reef Program. The initial program was started with over $400,000 of funding from the Oyster Creek Generating Station to offset fish kills associated with meeting the facility’s need for cooling water. The money was split between the recreational and commercial sectors and both agreed to support the Artificial Reef Program.

2) Since the begining of the program over 29 commercial fishing vessels have been donated and sunk on reefs.

Greg DiDomenico
Garden State Seafood Association

[njdiver]

Both those points and many others were dealt with during the testimony on Senate Bill S336 at the Senate Environment Committee Meeting of Thursday, February 21, 2008. If you would like to listen to the hearing it is still available at:

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/a...p?SESSION=2008


Here are a few quotes from that hearing:

(Snip)

Senator Robert Smith:
“Mr. Figley, a question for you. The Garden State Seafood Association, I thought one of its arguments was that they have paid for the reef or are participants in paying for the artificial reefs. How do you respond to that argument?”

Mr. William Figley:
“In the twenty two years that I was coordinator for the reef program I never received any monetary donations from the commercial fishery. “

Senator Robert Smith:
“What do you believe to be your financial contribution to the artificial reef program?”

Mr. Jeff Reichle (Lund's Fisheries, President Garden State Seafood Association):
“Yes Mr. Chairman, it’s a fact that commercial fishermen don’t write checks to the reef program. That’s absolutely the truth.”

(Snip)


(Snip)

Senator Smith:
“Mr. Figley’s testimony is devastating…the evidence he presents, to me, at least is devastating.”

“I do think the case for the individual anglers is very strong.”

(Snip)


The NJ Senate later voted to pass on the legislation to the Assembly which in turn placed it in their Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee where it has never been allowed to be heard by its Chairman Assemblyman Albano.