Fish On
Regional Commission mandates drastic reduction on blackfish
RON NUZZOLO
Time is running out for New Jersey recreational anglers. Just when fishing seemed to be healthy in all categories, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) mandates a reduction in blackfish by almost 26 percent.

On March 7, New Jersey has 60 days in which to come up with a plan agreed by ASMFC or the fishery will be shut down.

States such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island were forced to cut back and settled on a 12 percent reduction.

The problem is with the commercial fishermen who pot and net blackfish for the live blackfish market and will not be affected by the 26 percent reduction or shutdown.

This is where it gets heated. How can anyone in their right mind think or assume that recreational fishermen can reduce the overall stock biomass over the impact of commercial potters and netters. This is mind-boggling to all fishermen when there already is a four-fish, 14-inch limit in place. One pot can catch a dozen and one net can catch several dozen. Where is the logic in all this?

To add even more salt to the wound, the ASMFC's tautog (blackfish) board has quoted that recreational fishermen are responsible for 90 percent of the blackfish harvest. I personally find this to be a disturbing uphill battle.

Fish on.