The New Jersey chapter of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA-NJ) today sent a letter to Governor Chris Christie, copying the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bob Martin, urging immediate action to ensure that the 2011 summer flounder (fluke) season gets underway as scheduled on May 7th. 

Following action by the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council (Council) on April 7 to enact the 2011 summer flounder regulations as having a season of May 7-September 25 with a bag limit of eight fish per person and minimum size of 18 inches, the Bureau of Marine Fisheries subsequently submitted the regulation for approval by the DEP the following day.  In past years, regulations approved by the Council were enacted almost immediately, however, according to the RFA-NJ nearly three weeks have now passed without approval of the regulation by the DEP.

"With less than 10 days before the start of the proposed 2011 summer flounder season, the state's anglers and businesses remain concerned that the regulation will be enacted in time," said RFA-NJ Chairman, Capt. Adam Nowalsky.  In his letter to Governor Christie and the DEP, Nowalsky stated "Recreational anglers have made reservations on party and charter boats, and bait and tackle stores have ordered bait.  Failure to begin the season on the prescribed date will further disadvantage an already struggling industry."

RFA-NJ is advising anglers to contact the Commissioner's office by calling 609-292-2885 and requesting that the 2011 summer flounder regulations be enacted as quickly as possible.