Fishing Update APRIL 1. Atlantic City, Margate, Brigantine


Dunes, dredges, and disagreement over summer flounder fishing. Those are the topics being discussed by those in Margate, Brigantine and Atlantic City.

Does the Jersey shore have an appearance of fishing villages…without the fishing? Many, like Robin Scott of Margate can make that argument.

Most people don’t realize, flounder is dinner….not a game fish. It’s a fun part of summertime family fun.

Fishing is 2nd largest industry in the state of NJ.

NJ & AC region not realizing that Delaware is doing much better job of grabbing that recreational fishing business. A growing amount of people are leaving the NJ shore…and going to Delaware or the Outerbanks for vacation fishing.

No one has been adequately promoting this issue. How can we bring in more fisherman? That’s why FishJerseyShore.com, ACprimetime & DownbeachBUZZ were created.

Flounder 19 inch proposed but not yet official. Til then…..we’ll use 2016 limits & regs.

Thurs April 13, the state fishery council meeting 4pm Galloway public library…will they make decisions? Probably a wait n see….til the Fed makes decision.

In NJ, the beaches & casino are the priority. All other attractions and business take a back seat.

Commercial fishing not problem…..poor regulations are the problem. Quarterly limit on poundage?

Feds have boat called Bigelow to monitor fishing.

  • Are the right people regulating & setting rules?
  • The data they have is flawed, and they know it.
  • Other GOOD data, is not being used.
  • If Mid-Atlantic approves….and Jersey is not in compliance…..Jersey fishing could be shut down.
  • New York is also fighting regulations.
  • Delaware has already signed on…..not fighting the regs.
  • Is Congressman Lobiondo doing enough? Other states are pillaging NJ fish. He needs to spend more time talking with the Secretary of Commerce.

Summer flounder is a critical part of the South Jersey shore economy.

Beach replenishment is destroying flounder fishing.

Other alternative being considered by Army Corp of Engineers?

During storms, sand from beach replenishment gets pushed back into back bay & inlets.

News & Info from Atlantic City