Angler Paul
07-11-2013, 09:35 PM
NJMFC Extends Recreational Summer Flounder Season
On 7/11/13 the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council voted in favor of extending the recreational summer flounder season by 8 days. The season had been slated to close on 9/16 but will now continue through 9/24. The meeting was well attended by the public and the council listened attentively while members of the public voiced their opinions. There had been three options on the table that would have extended the season by either six or eleven days or none at all. Representatives from the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, NJ State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and Jersey Coast Anglers Association were amongst those who spoke in favor of extending the season by eleven days. Though a clear majority favored that option, other groups and individuals urged the council to take a more conservative approach and increase the season by only six days. Additionally, those on the fluke advisory panel had also recommended increasing the season by only six days. Previously the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission had approved an additional bonus quota of 88,000 fish that would have allowed the NJMFC to extend the season by up to eleven days. Ultimately, Councilwoman Eleanor Bochenek made somewhat of a surprise motion to extend the season by eight days, an option that had not been on the table. Many of those in attendance applauded as her motion passed by a narrow 5-4 margin.
Paul Haertel
On 7/11/13 the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council voted in favor of extending the recreational summer flounder season by 8 days. The season had been slated to close on 9/16 but will now continue through 9/24. The meeting was well attended by the public and the council listened attentively while members of the public voiced their opinions. There had been three options on the table that would have extended the season by either six or eleven days or none at all. Representatives from the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, NJ State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and Jersey Coast Anglers Association were amongst those who spoke in favor of extending the season by eleven days. Though a clear majority favored that option, other groups and individuals urged the council to take a more conservative approach and increase the season by only six days. Additionally, those on the fluke advisory panel had also recommended increasing the season by only six days. Previously the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission had approved an additional bonus quota of 88,000 fish that would have allowed the NJMFC to extend the season by up to eleven days. Ultimately, Councilwoman Eleanor Bochenek made somewhat of a surprise motion to extend the season by eight days, an option that had not been on the table. Many of those in attendance applauded as her motion passed by a narrow 5-4 margin.
Paul Haertel