NJ Anglers would welcome the opportunity to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to develop protection options for both the long and short term.....

By Paul Haertel - JCAA President

As president of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association (JCAA), I act in that capacity to represent approximately 75 conservation, fishing and environmental clubs and organizations throughout the state. At the JCAA general membership meeting on March 25, with the exception of one abstention, there was a unanimous vote to oppose the beach replenishment plan. In particular, the association is vehemently opposed to the notching of the jetties (groins) in the Elberon to Loch Arbour Reach. It goes without saying that we, like most New Jersey citizens want to protect the shoreline and coastal homes. However, we believe that there are better ways to do this. The JCAA would welcome the opportunity to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to develop protection options for both the long and short term. However, we are opposed to their plan for a number of reasons.

On March 21, hundreds of concerned New Jersey citizens rallied at the 8th Avenue parking lot to oppose the Army Corps of Engineers plan to notch the jetties from Elberon to Loch Arbour.

For those who are unfamiliar with this area or have not had the pleasure of fishing in the area, here is some important information that should be considered in any replenishment plan for the jetties in the Elberon to Loch Arbour Reach:

• The area is now most commonly known as “jetty country”, but in the past it was better known as “jetty row”. The area has a storied past for the thousands of both New Jersey and out-of state anglers who have fished and continue to fish there. To them...the area is absolutely sacrosanct.

• Notching the jetties will prohibit access to the jetties for generations of New Jersey's surfcasting anglers who have traditionally used them for approximately 100 years.

• Worse still, is that notching of the jetties in this area will cause strong rip currents that are a danger to citizens and tourists who enter the water. This will be particularly hazardous to young children who may be more liable to drown as they are swept away by the strong currents.

• For over a century, the jetties have done exactly what they were designed to do...protect the coastline along with the added protection of this area's natural bluffs. Although there was damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, this area faired far better than many other areas along our coast.

• Aerial photography that dates back many years has shown that this area traditionally does not have a wide beach. Changing its natural contour may not only put it at risk, but may create problems elsewhere.

• The Army Corps of Engineer's proposed plan is, at best, a very short term solution to a long term problem. The plan as it exists, will more likely put our people and property along the coast in peril. But most importantly, the extreme damage it will inflict upon the marine ecosystem is an issue that cannot be ignored. More specifically, the current plan will be detrimental to various sought after species such as striped bass, blackfish, fluke, bluefish and weakfish. It will be devastating to smaller forage species, such as sand fleas and crabs that will be wiped out as they are covered by sand. This will be compounded by the residual effect that it will have on the fish, birds and other wildlife that depend on the forage species as well.

• Anadromous species such as alewives will be severely limited or prohibited from reaching their spawning grounds if the entrances to these areas are covered by sand. Pipes extending further into the ocean might alleviate the problem to some extent but they would be have to be maintained and kept clear from drifting sand. Again, this poses a significant risk to the overall ecosystem.

• Another significant issue is the plan would also bury much of the extremely important marine habitat in sand while destroying choice fishing grounds at natural rock outcroppings just off the coast. Therefore it would extend detrimental impacts not just to the jetties and beaches, but to offshore fishing grounds as well.

This photo ©2014 by Colin Archer shows how sand is filling and blocking the Deal Lake flume.

In conclusion, all New Jersey's saltwater anglers need to strongly oppose the Army Corps of Engineer's plan. It should be canceled or, at the very least, postponed until other options can be developed and considered. The destruction that will be caused by the implementation of the plan will have a negative impact not only on the coastal environment but on New Jersey's economy as well. It will significantly reduce the amount of saltwater anglers who travel to this area by both boat and from shore. That will only result in reduced income for the tackle stores, marinas, motels, restaurants, gas stations and the many other businesses already devastated by the impact of Superstorm Sandy. For this reason alone, New Jersey anglers deserve to be a part of the solution.

All clubs and any individuals who oppose the beach replenishment and jetty notching project for the Elberon to Loch Arbor are urged to write to the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as their legislators. The deadline for submitting written comments to the ACOE has been extended to April 10th.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE ON NJ FLUKE AND SEA BASS REGULATIONS

A special meeting of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council (NJMFC) will be held at 4:00 PM on April 3, 2014. The meeting will take place at the Stafford Township Municipal, building located at 260 East Bay Ave., in Manahawkin.
New Jersey Marine Regulations for both fluke and sea bass will be decided at the meeting following public comment. All concerned fishermen who wish to comment on the proposed regulations are encouraged to voice their opinions at this meeting.

There was an Advisors Meeting on March 27, 2014. Regarding fluke, there were no changes in the options being considered. They are as follows:

Option 1 - 18” size limit - 5 fish bag limit - Season - May 17th – September 21st 
Option 2 – 18” size limit - 5 fish bag limit - Season - May 23rd – September 27th 

The majority of advisors favored Option 2, but there also seems to be considerable support for Option 1. It seems that either option has a good chance of being adopted. Therefore, it could be that whichever one has the most public support at the upcoming NJMFC meeting, will be the one that is chosen.

There is also the possibility of a special 16” size limit for shore-based fishermen at Island Beach State Park. This is a proposed pilot program that could be expanded to other areas next year. This possible option is being developed further and may be explained at the meeting on April 3rd. However, if it moves forward, it will not be voted on until the council’s May meeting.

Regarding sea bass, there were a few new options developed pertaining to the split bag season. One, in particular, garnered unanimous support. This option is as follows:

12 ½” size limit - 15 fish bag limit from May 19 – June 30
12 ½” size limit - 3 fish bag limit from July 1 – August 31
12 ½” size limit - 15 fish bag limit from September 1 – September 6
12 ½” size limit - 15 fish bag limit from October 18 – December 31.

There were seven other options that were considered and at least a couple of them will be presented at the meeting on April 3rd. Stay tuned for an update once they are finalized by the council.