NJ SMZ Request Successful with the MAFMC!

[njdiver]

Yesterday by an 11 to 7 vote, the MAFMC will now pass on NJ's request for SMZ status on their EEZ reefs to NMFS for either a proposed rule with public comment or a written reason why not.

[jigfreak]

Could you explain that a little bit better please? Smz = specialized management zones, right? I take it that's different than Marine protected areas. I'm trying to figure how we recs benefit from that, or does that mean that the commercial fishermen will be excluded? Thanks

[bababooey]

Is this the logical extension of pots off the reefs? If so - good. As mentioned as long as it doesn't impact us recreational guys I'm good with it.

[njdiver]

Could you explain that a little bit better please? Smz = specialized management zones, right? I take it that's different than Marine protected areas. I'm trying to figure how we recs benefit from that, or does that mean that the commercial fishermen will be excluded? ThanksSMZ = Special Management Zone

Background material:


https://static1.squarespace.com/static/511cdc7fe4b00307a2628ac6/t/57e566f929687fb819ccec43/1474651901103/Tab05_NJ+SMZ+Consideration.pdf


https://static1.squarespace.com/static/511cdc7fe4b00307a2628ac6/t/5841d970c534a57dbdd8180d/1480710514764/Tab06_NJ-SMZ-Request.pdf


https://static1.squarespace.com/static/511cdc7fe4b00307a2628ac6/t/584ab9e3bebafb2cee01cffe/1481292259711/20161208_Letter_Final+Signed_CMoore_NJ+SMZ+recomme ndations+%281%29.pdf


https://static1.squarespace.com/static/511cdc7fe4b00307a2628ac6/t/5841da1ee3df28eae5e26bee/1480710699669/smz+letters+.pdf


The fight is not over quite yet. NMFS must decide to create a proposed rule and publish it for public comment or give written reason why not. It is on Mr. John Bullard's desk now for these final steps.


John Bullard
Regional Administrator
Greater Atlantic Region Fisheries Office
National Marine Fisheries Service
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930


978-281-9200 (tel:978-281-9200)


John.Bullard@noaa.gov

[cowherder]

Thanks