July 11, 2017 — President Donald Trump’s administration sided with New Jersey Tuesday in a dispute over catch limits for summer flounder that threatened to shut down the entire fishing season.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross approved the state’s Marine Fisheries Council proposal for 24 fewer fishing days but a smaller minimum size for fish, rather than the limits imposed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.) called Ross’s decision “great news for the state of New Jersey, our fishing community, our economy and all who visit the shore.”
Members of the state’s congressional delegation had opposed the more stringent limits of a 19-inch minimum, with a three fish limit per trip over a 128-day season.
At one point, the fisheries commission threatened to impose a moratorium on all fishing.
“The decision to not institute a fishing moratorium, and instead accept New Jersey’s more balanced and reasonable summer catch standards, will sustain New Jersey’s summer flounder industries while upholding conservation standards,” Smith said.