November 5, 2015 — The Christie administration adopted new rules this week that will give way to a plan to develop an artificial reef just north of Barnegat Inlet, officials announced Wednesday.
The plan developed by the Department of Environmental Protection ends a decade-long rift between commercial and recreational fisherman. Anglers argue their hooks get caught on commercial pot lines.
Under the new rules, commercial and recreational fisherman will be required to use lobster, fish and conch pots only in certain areas. The lobster potters will also have to mark individual pots with a buoy and set them up between the hours of sunrise and sunset. They must also contact Marine Law Enforcement Headquarters two hours prior to setting their pots, officials said.