The NJMFC votedunanimously in favor of a recreational fluke season that will begin on May 18thand end on September 16th, with a 17 1/2" size limit and a five fish baglimit. The groups I represented at the meeting supported a longer season or atleast one that extended the season further into the fall. However, the vastmajority of those who spoke favored the option that was chosen. However, thereis still a little ray of hope that the season might be extended further. Afterall states have set their regulations, the ASMFC will review them. If theydetermine that the regulations are likely to result in a coastwide underage ofthe quota they may allow New Jerseyand New York to liberalize theirregulations somewhat. New Jerseyand New York were the only twostates who were forced to take a reduction due to overfishing their quotas lastyear. If the ASMFC does allow us to liberalize somewhat the NJMFC may do so byadding a few days to the end of our season. However, there was some concern bycouncil members that doing so could cause us to exceed our quota. I pointed outthat we are more likely to underfish our quota this year because there will befar less participation. This is due to all the marinas, boats and coastal homesthat were damaged or lost due to Hurricane Sandy. If we are given the option toliberalize further, the NJMFC will consider doing so at their next meeting onMay 2nd.
The NJBMF isstill working on the sea bass options for this year. They are expected to beready sometime in the near future. Theregulations will then be set at the NJMFC meeting on May 2nd.

Paul Haertel