A proposed 43 percent reduction to the summer flounder quota could have a devastating economic impact on the Jersey Shore's Commercial and Recreational Fishing Industry, according to Tom Fote, Legislative Chairman for the Jersey Coast Anglers Association.

photo from mafmc.org
photo from mafmc.org
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The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will consider whether to recommend the cut for the 2016 fishing season.

Fote said if approved, a cut in the summer fluke quota could mean the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars due to a shorter season.

"Right now we go from the end of May to the beginning of September. If this goes through, we'll lose probably May and September and just have maybe part of June, July and August," said Fote.

Fote explained why summer flounder is so important to New Jersey.

"40 percent of the directed trips to New Jersey are made for summer flounder, and when you think about it, we make $1.3 billion, and when you start cutting into 40 percent of those trips, it has a huge economic impact," he said.

Fote said the goal of the proposed flounder quota reduction is supposed to help recruitment, the number of new, young fish that enter a population. However, he pointed out that data from the Federal Government shows flounder is thriving.

Fote says his Association is working with other industry-related organizations in the shore-area to make sure the proposal isn't approved.

Fote also is encouraging other anglers to contact New Jersey's Congressional and U-S Senate Delegation to help fight the proposal.

Fote said a 43 percent reduction is drastic and could have far-reaching implications from Massachusetts to North Carolina.

"It affects a lot of jobs both commercially and recreationally," Fote added.

A decision on the issue is expected on August 12 in New York, according to Fote.

 

 

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