Editior's note: Click here for more info about the efforts to prohibit commercial fish and lobster pots or traps from the artificial reefs off New Jersey. The efforts made lots of progress this year, and so far, a bill has been passed by the the state's required senate committe. But unless the bill is passed this year by both the state's full senate and full assembly and signed by Governor Corzine, the efforts will have to be started from scratch again next year. For info about whom to contact to encourage the senate to follow through on the next step, click here for an article that includes addresses, phone numbers and web site links at the bottom of the page. The clock is ticking.

From the Jersey Coast Anglers Association's December newsletter:

The bill (S 2635) that would rid New Jersey artificial reefs of pots that interfere with drifting, anchoring and even additional reef building passed through the Senate Environmental Committee on Thursday, October 18th. JCAA would like to thank Senator Robert Smith, chairman of the Environmental Committee for holding a special hearing on this bill and for all of his support. Other Senators who supported this bill are Senators Adler, Sweeney, and McNamara. We would also like to thank Senate President Codey for allowing this special hearing. His continued support is needed to get this bill posted and passed by the full Senate. We also need Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts to post this bill for passage by the Assembly. Governor Corzine, Senate President Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts know how important this bill is to you. We want this bill posted during the session following the November election. There is no reason to begin this process again in the next legislature to reach the same outcome. Call or write them now.

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