Stop the Pots !

In 23 years, the DEP has built 15 ocean reef sites and constructed over 4,000 rock reefs. Its immediate environmental success was shown by quick colonization by over 150 species, forming productive biological communities. Marine anglers and divers supported the program and greater numbers of these groups use the reefs each year.

However, large numbers of fish and lobster traps negatively affects the public's opportunities provided by these reefs. As reef-building increased, so have the numbers of traps placed. That critical point trap lines impair reef use by the public, impair reef construction and cause other problems. In 2006, New Jersey issued 251 commercial trap licenses, allowing commercial fishermen to set traps in state ocean waters.

The primary objective of the reef program is to create habitat for the production of a diversity of fish and other marine life. It creates fishing grounds for recreational anglers and attractions for divers thus providing economic benefits to these recreational industries. New Jersey's recreational fishing industry has 1.3 million anglers, spending over $1.3 billion on fishing annually. In 2000, the reefs accounted for 18% of all the fish caught by recreational anglers, while comprising only .07% of the sea floor on the Jersey coast.

Fish and lobster traps (called pots) are set on the sea floor on hundreds to thousands of feet of connecting lines, containing dozens of pots. A buoyed flag at each end of the line mark the location of the submerged line of traps. Once set, trap lines may be left in place for months at a time. The traps may not be checked for a week or more. The legal requirement for trap checking is once a month.

Just a few trappers can set enough lines of pots to totally dominate a reef, inhibiting access to thousands of anglers - for whom the reefs were originally constructed. This reef use monopoly is achieved without even having to be there.

All 15 of New Jersey's reef sites are considered to be under construction. The presence of unattended pots on reef sites inhibits planning and deploying reef materials. When pot flags are present, it is virtually impossible to accurately assess the number and lengths of lines or direction they radiate out from the flags. One survey found 23, 000 feet of trap lines spread out all over a reef site under construction. Not all trap fishermen even mark their submerged unattended gear with buoys. A party fishing boat at a planned construction site, can be contacted by radio and asked to move. Pot lines do not respond to radio calls. Anglers and divers provide the majority of the funds donated for building reefs.

Conservation

Most reef fish school around reefs on the sea floor. During their shoreward, Spring migration, on finding a suitable reef structure, 80 percent remain there for the entire season. Because they congregate around such structures, reef fishes are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure. A boat anchored on structure can catch many fish quickly. To reduce catch rates and spread the available fish resource out among as many people as possible over a longer time, most New Jersey reef sites are designed as drift (non anchor) fishing areas.

A set of traps is the perfect gear for taking large numbers of fish off a reef. As fish move around to feed, they encounter traps, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Traps do not have to be baited, and remain effective fish catchers without being tended. The number of traps a fisherman can set is unlimited. Thus a few trappers take an unfair share of the limited resource present on the reef.

New York bans trapping on reefs within its territorial jurisdiction. States in the South Atlantic have eliminated traps from their reefs. It is time New Jersey did the same !

If you are not yet ready to trade in your rods and reels for a set of golf clubs and a pair of spiked shoes, you should advise, as an individual or as a club, the following persons of your concerns and proposed action on this matter:

Gilbert H. Ewing, Jr., Chairman
New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council
501 East State Street, 3rd Floor
PO Box 400
Trenton, NJ  08625-0400

Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
401 E. State Street
7th Floor, East Wing
PO Box 402
Trenton, NJ  08625-0402

Governor Jon S. Corzine
State House, Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ  08625

Reef Rescue represents a statewide community of fishermen, divers and sport organizations in the promotion, construction and preservation of New Jersey's Artificial Reef system. Our list of supporting organizations includes:

Reef Rescue is looking for representatives from clubs and organizations that wish to support NJ's Artificial Reefs. Contact us to get more information about current projects and about attending our meetings. Individuals wishing to take action on these issues should contact government officials.

Reef Rescue can be contacted by sending e-mail to - info@njreefrescue.com