[pddmd]

If I may share what happens if the Marine Fisheries Council votes to maintain our current regulations.
1) The ASMFC board would have to meet, and take a vote to find NJ out of compliance. Normally this would not happen until the August meeting, but we have been told there will be a virtual meeting if necessary. As the Board voted 15-1 that vote is certain.
2) If found out of compliance, NJ would have 30 days to put forward a defense of its action. Said defense could be based on procedural, biological, or economical issues for example.
3) ASMFC would then send the case to the Secretary of Commerce, who would be in a position to arbitrate. If he rules against NJ, then the ASMFC would move forward with a moratorium.
4) The moratorium would effect only striped bass. But it would be an effort moratorium, meaning no harvest or catch and release. It would also stop the Striped Bass Bonus Program, as it is based on NJ prior commercial landings.
5) To end the moratorium, the NJMFC would have to meet and vote to come in to compliance. Then, the Commisioner would have to sign off on the document for the ASMFC to rescind the moratorium.