Authorizes use of certain fish pumps to remove menhaden from purse seines.
Summary
A4946 amends New Jersey’s menhaden fishing law to allow commercial bait-catch vessels to use certain “wet pumps” to remove Atlantic menhaden from purse seines in state waters. Under current law, fish taken from a purse seine must be removed by brailing or dip net, and fish pumps are effectively barred for menhaden fishing in state waters unless they are disconnected and stowed. This bill would replace that restriction with a narrower authorization for wet pumps of either capsule or centrifugal design, so long as the discharge hose is placed at or below the vessel’s waterline to reduce excess aeration near the fishing operation.
The bill’s findings explain that the Legislature believes the change would improve efficiency and safety without causing overfishing. It cites the existing Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission quota system and New Jersey’s individual transferable quota system as safeguards that already limit harvest and reduce the incentive to maximize daily catch. The bill also states that allowing pumps could reduce crew injuries, lower the risk of fish loss from broken nets, and help vessels clear fishing grounds more quickly, which may reduce conflicts with recreational fishing activity.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend Section 11 of P.L.2013, c.74 (codified at C.23:3-51.9) to create a specific exception allowing certain fish pumps to be used in the removal of menhaden from purse seines in New Jersey waters. It would change the current rule that limits removal to brailing or dip netting and would remove the existing prohibition on having a pump on board for menhaden fishing, but only for pumps meeting the bill’s technical requirements. The practical effect would be to expand equipment options for commercial menhaden bait-catch vessels while preserving state oversight of gear use and harvest limits.
Sentiment
The bill’s tone is generally supportive of the commercial menhaden industry and framed around safety, efficiency, and reduced conflict on the water. The legislative findings indicate confidence that the change will not undermine conservation because existing quota systems and the prohibition on menhaden reduction fisheries remain in place. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no recorded opposition or formal debate in the available materials; however, the bill itself suggests the main policy balance is between allowing more efficient harvesting methods and maintaining protections against overfishing and harmful fishing practices.
Contention
The likely point of contention is whether allowing fish pumps in state waters could weaken prior restrictions that were designed to prevent large purse seine vessels from taking excessive numbers of menhaden. Supporters argue that the ITQ system, seasonal quotas, and the ban on reduction fisheries make the change safe and that pumps improve worker safety and reduce fish kills. Potential critics would likely focus on conservation concerns, the possibility of increased harvesting efficiency, and whether the new exception could be used to circumvent the intent of earlier pump restrictions. The bill also implicitly raises concerns about interactions between commercial and recreational fishing vessels, though it argues the change would reduce those conflicts.