LISTEN

New Jersey officials have formally proposed rules that would dictate who can use artificial reefs in the ocean for fishing purposes.

For years, the "pots off the reefs" movement simmered in New Jersey, one of the few states where commercial fishing interests were allowed to place gear at man-made, underwater reef sites that were often reserved for recreational anglers who fish the habitat the reefs provide. Commercial fishermen argued that they supported the reef system's construction off New Jersey, while recreational anglers pointed to a tax on recreational fishing equipment and marine fuel that funded most of the reef system's construction. The issue was further complicated when the federal government began withholding $250,000 in annual funding from New Jersey due to the concerns that recreational anglers were being denied reef access.

Fishing with pots – commercial grade crab, lobster and shellfish traps – is mainly a practice used by commercial fishermen.

Read the full story at the Brick Shorebeat>>

Want to read more about artificial reefs? Click here...

Have you listened to this article via the audio player above?

If so, send us your feedback around what we can do to improve this feature or further develop it. If not, check it out and let us know what you think via email or on social media.

A collection of stories from guest authors.

Join the Conversation