A widely attacked proposal to reduce summer flounder catches by 43 percent next year may be replaced by one that phases in the cutbacks over three years.

The new proposal is designed to spread out the pain and be easier on both the commercial and recreational fishing industries, but also is coming under attack. The plan would still entail a reduction in catches next year of about 27 percent.

Brook Koeneke, who runs the Duke ‘o’ Fluke party boat out of Somers Point, said it will put party boats, bait and tackle stores and others that cater to anglers out of business.

“If they have a 27 percent reduction the first year there’s going to be agony. Don’t forget the trickle-down effect. You’ll have a pretty hefty impact on our fragile coastal economy,” said Koeneke.

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