The hated catch shares programs the National Marine Fisheries Service had pushed for in 2011 that would have cost many coastal fishing jobs is dead.
The new budget included an amendment that would block the funding for approval of the controversial fisheries catch share programs.
Catch shares are quotas given to a few individuals or communities that have exclusive rights to catch fish until the quota is reached and then the fishery is closed. It cuts off most recreational anglers who just want to go out and catch a few fish.
Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-N.C.), created the legislation to block the funding
The NMFS had proposed to spend $36 million to institute new catch share programs, which would destroy jobs in the recreational fishing industry. The language in the amendment will prohibit the federal government from using any funds to approve new catch shares programs for fisheries along the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico.
“This is a shot in the arm for fishermen and a shot across the bow of the National Marine Fisheries Service,” said Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-N.C.) who got many of his constituents on both sides of the aisle to co-sponsor the bill including Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).
“The last thing our government should be doing in these economic times is spending millions of taxpayer dollars to expand programs that will put even more Americans out of work,” Rep. Jones added.
New Jersey got some bad news this week. The federal government said that it is ending funding for the state’s artificial reef program after it failed to comply with fishing regulations near the reefs. According to regulations, the artificial reefs are meant for hook and line, and spear fishing only.
Commercial fishermen however, have been using fixed gear on the reefs in violation of federal rules. Because the state has failed to rectify the situation, it is in violation of rules which has resulted in the loss of federal funding.
Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose (R-N.J.) called for an immediate hearing on bipartisan legislation she has sponsored that would bring New Jersey into compliance with the federal rules.
“The loss of this funding is going to have a tremendous negative impact on a lot of people,” explained McHose. “It will hurt state’s tourism industry and businesses such as tackle shops and charter and party boats.”