"Pots Off the Reefs" to be Heard by NJ Senate Committee.

[njdiver]

The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation is proud to announce that Senate Bill 221, which would prohibit the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs, is scheduled to be heard by the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee on Monday, February 1.

This bill has been a prioritized by the NJOACF council for the past 2 years with active support and participation by council members; Reef Rescue, JCAA, HRFA, NJ Beach Buggy Assoc., Greater Pt Pleasant Charter Boat Assoc., Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, NJ Council of Diving Clubs, Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club, and all NJOACF council members including hunting and forestry organizations.

Reef Rescue and NJOACF held a rally to bring attention to the bill last year, which elevated the issue to the attention of legislators - commercial gear must be removed from the reefs. In fact, a letter sent to U.S. Fish and Wildlife service by Reef Rescue and NJOACF, which informed them of the obstructions caused by commercial gear, ultimately resulted in a statement of support by NJ DEP and NJ DFW for removal of commercial gear in order to remain in compliance with Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish (Wallop-Breaux) Restoration Funds.

NJOACF council members will continue to be at the forefront of the fight for legislation that will advance our freedoms to fish, hunt and practice all forms of conservation and outdoor recreation.

The public is welcome to attend. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in Committee Room 10, 3rd Floor, State House Annex in Trenton, NJ. Directions can be found at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/directions.asp.

__________________________________________________ ____________________
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr
Chair
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects

"We've got your back!" ________________________________________________

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

[DarkSkies]

Thanks for starting the thread, NJDiver.

I already put one up in the laws and legislation forum, so I'll just add the cross-link here:

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ead.php?t=5796

[gjb1969]

all the bs just get them off the reefs we pay for they dont put any money to reefs but put there crap all over and then cry if ther stuff gets messed up those guys hsve money put ther own reef togeather but u know that wont happen it will be over fished and we the little guy will get the blame just get there crap off of what (we pay for)

[bababooey]

Ristori also mentioned it.


Pots off Reef Bill to be considered Monday in Trenton -- Mackerel biting

By Al Ristori

January 30, 2010, 7:59PM

The Pots off the Reefs bill will be heard by the
Senate Environment and Energy Committee on Monday, February 1 at
10:00 a.m. in the in State House Annex, Trenton. Supporters of that legislation will be welcomed by Reef Rescue, the N.J. Outdoor Alliance, JCAA and other organizations trying to protect the artificial reefs for sportfishing -- as was intended when they were created by the state with federal sportfishing funds plus donations from recreational fishermen. Please make sure you sign up in support of the bill when you get there.