Menhaden Fishing Quota Bill Raises Concerns- Released from Committee  

Today the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resource committee released A5432 (Matthew): Requires DEP Commissioner to establish individual transferable quota system for menhaden purse seine fishery. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club released the following statement:

“Menhaden are an important species and the food supply and stability of our fisheries, but this bill would lead to over fishing of this critical fish. Our concern is that the bill will privatize the regulation and mandate by setting up this quote system. By locking in quotas for different fishing interests, we believe it will lead to over fishing. What is an even bigger problem is the trading system of quotas.

“This legislation will turn the regulatory system of critical fish stock into something like the New York Stock Exchange. For example, if there are 100,000 tons going to 10 different groups, everyone would get 10 tons. However, if someone doesn’t reach their quota and falls at 8 tons, they can make a trade and another group can get 12 tons. The concern is the lack of cushion. If fishermen don’t hit their quota, it will help save and give the ecosystem and fisheries time to replenish. This bill perpetuates the quota and trading system forever. The minimum quota should be on the new quota and new plan.

“Menhaden are a critical link to the food web and are known as forage species. This means they function as a food source for larger species like blue fish and striped bass. Marine mammals and birds, including ospreys and bald eagles also rely on menhaden as a food source. The bill will accelerate depletion of menhaden. This legislation will essentially be a destructive domino effect throughout the marine food chain. It will not only impact these important species, but impact New Jersey’s commercial and recreational fisheries.

“In order to maintain and sustainable population of menhaden, New Jersey should not be trading quotas within and between states. We need better monitoring and data collection in the fishery, including observer coverage or video monitoring for incidents of bycatch, increased catch sampling. New Jersey has voted against proper mandates and are not part of the reduction program. We need to be a better leader when it comes to banning reduction fishing altogether. This will help reduce overfishing and maintain the longevity of our marine ecosystem.”