03-23-2010, 11:16 AM
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds anglers fishing for summer flounder that the recreational summer flounder season ends today, September 4, 2009 at 11:59 PM. Unofficial and inaccurate reports have been circulating about the season possibly being extended through the Labor Day weekend.
Recreational anglers can harvest summer flounder under the current 18 inch minimum size and 6 fish possession limit up until the official closure time.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC) are responsible for the coastwide management of summer flounder. Due to an over-harvest of its 2008 recreational target, New Jersey was required to take a 4% reduction in 2009.
Fish and Wildlife staff, in consultation with the Marine Fisheries Council, party and charter boat captains, bait & tackle shop owners, and saltwater anglers from all areas of NJ developed numerous recreational season options. None of the options would allow for a season to include both Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day weekend.
The Council believed the Memorial Day weekend would provide the most benefit to the greatest number of recreational anglers, and therefore decided upon the May 23 * September 4 season at their March 5, 2009 meeting.
A summary of marine regulations can be found in the Marine Issue of the Fish and Wildlife Digest, available at coastal bait shops and on the division's website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/digmar.htm .
Recreational anglers can harvest summer flounder under the current 18 inch minimum size and 6 fish possession limit up until the official closure time.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC) are responsible for the coastwide management of summer flounder. Due to an over-harvest of its 2008 recreational target, New Jersey was required to take a 4% reduction in 2009.
Fish and Wildlife staff, in consultation with the Marine Fisheries Council, party and charter boat captains, bait & tackle shop owners, and saltwater anglers from all areas of NJ developed numerous recreational season options. None of the options would allow for a season to include both Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day weekend.
The Council believed the Memorial Day weekend would provide the most benefit to the greatest number of recreational anglers, and therefore decided upon the May 23 * September 4 season at their March 5, 2009 meeting.
A summary of marine regulations can be found in the Marine Issue of the Fish and Wildlife Digest, available at coastal bait shops and on the division's website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/digmar.htm .