State gambling with marine fisheries

5:31 PM, Oct 4, 2012

Written by John Oswald

Bill Figley believes New Jersey is making a bad bet.

A 30-year veteran of the state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, Figley has seen it all. He’s worked on a multitude of programs for both recreational and commercial fisheries and was deeply involved in the state’s artificial reef program for more than 22 years. Even though retired, he is still working hard on efforts to clear the reefs of commercial fishing gear.

His concern is that while the Governor’s office has made a priority of supporting the state’s gambling industry, it has turned a blind eye to the health of marine fisheries, an industry that contributes mightily to New Jersey’s economy.

“I know the Governor’s office wants to make New Jersey a preeminent gambling destination. Its put a lot of eggs in that basket.” Figley said.

“But, at the same time, it has ignored New Jersey’s marine fisheries, which is a renewable resource. It’s something that renews itself every year, every year new batches of fish are brought to life that sustain fisheries, not only in New Jersey but along the entire Atlantic Coast. And all you have to do is take care of that resource,” he added.

Figley freely admits he’s in the dark when it comes to revenues generated by gambling in the state. Some quick research showed that the state budgeted about $47 million in 2012 for the Casino Commission and taxes on gambling have generated $7.2 billion from 1978 to 2008. Not a paltry sum by any estimation.

But the contributions made by the fishing industry to the state economy cannot be dicounted either. It is estimated that recreational and commercial fishing is worth over $2 billion annually.

By contrast, the 2012 budget for marine fisheries is less than $1 million. Figley said the budget is at the lowest point its been in the last 30 years due to cuts for marine studies and enforcement activities.

And it doesn’t appear things will get better anytime soon.

A recent request for the renewal of 16 positions at marine fisheries was recently denied by the governor’s office. The manpower is needed to keep New Jersey up to speed with other states and in compliance with the requirements of federal fishery management councils. The workforce is just too thin to get the job done.

John Oswald: 732-643-4245: joswald@njpressmedia.com

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