Summer Flounder Commercial Regulation Changes

[Broad Bill]

Gerry this policy change was enacted collectively by ASMFC and MAFMC. ASMFC has jurisdiction involving decisions from the shore to the 3 mile line. MAFMC has jurisdiction from 3 miles to 200 miles out. NMFS has the ultimate responsibility and backing of MSA and subsequent reauthorizations of overall quotas among other things. Not sure what responsibilities NJ Marine Fisheries has but it seems the state agencies, ASMFC and MAFMC are all subordinate to the feds. Not sure what impact filling two positions at the state level will ever have in the big picture. I'm not saying they shouldn't be filled, whether they're appointed or elected positions, just don't see it moving the needle the way it needs to be moved.

When commercials want something, they don't appoint more representatives. They sue the federal government which is well documented. By the time decisions get down to the state level, it's more a matter of form over substance. This process is broken from the top down, not the bottom up and if it's not in some way addressed at the top nothing will change in my opinion. Substantive changes to manage fisheries first and then sectors on an equal and fair basis will only occur through litigation, period.

These discussions have been taking place for at least thirty years, we're still getting the short end of the stick every year, fisheries are being put at risk and literally nothing has changed. This is a problem which starts at the federal level and trickles down to the states. ASMFC basically fights for allocations and tries justifying their existence. They certainly didn't do the recreational sector any justice with this latest proclamation. This is a big money game, the only way to change it is through litigation, disrupting the flow of money meaning disrupt the supply chain so the Department of Commerce and commercials feel the pain or getting states to go rogue and go out of compliance which has about as much chance of happening as Jerry Postorino playing center for the New York Knicks next year or winning the Boston Marathon. Jerry not disrespect intended, at the time I couldn't think of a better analogy. Love you man, you are the GOAT.

[pddmd]

I can only speak to what I know. This change refers to a single small mesh fishery executed in NC. NJ regulations do not allow for a small flynet fishery.
Last week I chaired a Summer Flounder commercial meeting to discuss 2025. Just as with the Recreational quota, the commercial quota for 2025 is exactly the same as it was for 2024. Directed fishery and bycatch are identical to this year. I can't speak to how other states are handling their quotas(ITQs) but i can say that the 2025 NJ commercial summer flounder fishery will be identical to the 2024 season.

[frugalfisherman]

Originally Posted by tautog

I always say if everyone engages in systematic civil disobedience, the system will either change or collapse. Get tickets and ask for trial dates, do not accept a plea. Ask for full discovery to be sent. Places like AH and Belmar municipal courts will get swamped and be unable to cope. They cannot handle a couple of hundred trials a month. They cannot handle thousands of dollars in copying every month.

The idea is to not get caught!