Al Ristori writes: Legislative action needed to save artificial reefs!



http://www.nj.com/shore/blogs/fishin...ction_nee.html

With the current legislative session nearing its end, anglers will have to work hard to make their voices heard in the Assembly so the state's artificial reefs can be saved for the sportfishing public that paid for their construction with donations in addition to federal Sport Fish Restoration funds derived from an excise tax on the fishing tackle we buy.

In the last session it was then-Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts (D-Camden) who wouldn't let the bill come up for a vote after it had sailed through the Senate.

This year's obstacle is Assemblyman Nelson Albano (D-Cape May), who is chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Once again, the companion bill to A1152 long ago passed in the Senate --- but Albano has refused to schedule a hearing in his committee.

The N.J. Outdoor Alliance (NJOA) has gathered a bipartisan majority of the Assembly as co-sponsors, so the bill should be quickly passed and sent to Gov. Chris Christie if it's allowed to come to a vote.

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-Monmouth) wrote to Albano requesting that he schedule a hearing: "These artificial reefs were created for recreational anglers only. The reefs are paid for by a tax on recreational fishing gear. The Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act states that the reefs are meant for hook and line and spear fishing only. It is time for New Jersey to join with neighboring states and take action to protect these reefs."

Pete Grimbilas of Reef Rescue notes that the artificial reef program is basically dead in the water as the federal funds were stopped since the DEP hasn't been meeting its responsibility to maintain the sportfishing purpose the funds were supplied for. That could be quickly corrected if Albano can be moved.

Anthony Mauro, chairman of the NJOA, said, "I'm glad to see the overwhelming support that Bill A1152 is receiving from the majority of our state legislators. Assemblywoman Casagrande is one of 50 co-sponsors of Bill A1152. This is the most co-sponsors of any outdoors related legislation in recent memory. It means that if the Bill A1152 is allowed to be heard, it would pass and go to the governor for his signature. It is in the best interest of recreational fishermen and women that Bill A1152 be heard in the next few weeks, before the current legislative session ends."

Mauro continued, "It is up to recreational anglers to contact Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (973) 395-1166, and Assemblyman, Nelson Albano, Chairman, A&NRC, (609) 465-0700, and ask that Bill A1152 have a hearing and a vote. Let them know that you expect the State of New Jersey comply with the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act and that you want federal funding restored to New Jersey's Reef Program."

Mauro will be discussing this subject tomorrow morning during Tom Paglioroli's Rack n' Fin Radio show from 8 to 9 a.m. on ESPN 97.3 FM.

The show can also be accessed on the internet at http://www.973espn.com/pages/9616316.php?




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Anthony P. Mauro, Sr
Chair

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects