TOMS RIVER — Despite a 26 percent reduction in the East Coast quota for summer flounder, anglers could see a decent 2012 fishing season extended through September, industry advocates say.
After years of political struggles, one of the Shore’s most lucrative fisheries is finally stabilized and now growing, thanks to the biggest spawning of young summer flounder since the early 1980s. But the National Marine Fisheries Service is still maintaining extremely cautious quota limits after scientists last year warned growth of the stock could be overestimated.
The state Marine Fisheries Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Toms River town hall to discuss and choose from a list of options for setting rules for the 2012 season. Recreational groups still differ on the details – some surf fishermen would prefer to see a longer season into October, for example, while party and charter boat operators are generally concerned with making sure minimum size rules allow their customers to keep more fish.
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