Public meetings on weakfish stocks in NJ

[eppefour]

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and
Wildlife will host two public meetings regarding changes to the
ASMFC's Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Weakfish. The first
meeting will be held on October 12 in Cape May County; the second on
October 13 in Ocean County.

The changes were developed to address declines in weakfish abundance,
and commercial and recreational catches. Proposals include reductions in
recreational bag limits, commercial and recreational seasons, and
by-catch allowances. Modifications also address a major challenge in
assessing the weakfish population, namely significant gaps in biological
data such as age and length. As a result, new required levels of
biological sampling intensity are proposed.

Atlantic coastal states from Rhode Island through Florida have also
scheduled public meetings. Details on New Jersey's meetings follow:

Wednesday, October 12
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension
355 Court House-South Dennis Road
Route 657
Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Thursday, October 13
7-9 p.m.
Ocean County Administration Building
Room 119
101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, New Jersey

Copies of the proposed changes may be obtained via the ASMFC's Web
site at www.asmfc.org under Breaking News or by calling 202-289-6400.
Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on October 21, 2005 and
should be forwarded to Fishery Management Plan Coordinator Braddock
Spear at 1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005, faxed
to 202-289-6051, or e-mailed to comments@asmfc.org (use subject line:
Weakfish).

[CapeMayRay]

Thanks, for the information. Everyone who fishes for weakies should be there, It will be interesting to see just how many show up. Information has been made available everywhere, hope more than just a few care.

[fishpicker]

Please be there and voice your opinions. It looks like status quo is the best option. You decide , If anybody has any questions please feel free to ask.

[Fish Tale Charters]

eppefour, Thanks for the info. I heard there was to be a meeting but did not know when.

All you guys that bottom fish need to be there and let your voice be heard.