New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

August 28, 2001

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife will host a public meeting on Monday, September 10, at Belmar Town Hall, 601 Main Street at 7 p.m. in Belmar, Monmouth County. The meeting will focus on modifications to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American lobster.

"The Division is working cooperatively with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to ensure the future of American lobster in New Jersey waters," said Division Director Bob McDowell. "Current management strategies must be assessed and if necessary, modified for the benefit of the species."

The lobster plan Draft Amendment addresses options for the use of conservation equivalency for the non-trap gear limits (any gear other than lobster pots) and v-notch possession restrictions (referring to the cut tail in female lobsters) outlined in a previous amendment. It provides states with the flexibility to adopt alternative management approaches that are conservationally similar to required management measures.

Copies of the Draft Amendment can be obtained by contacting ASMFC Administrative Assistant Vanessa Jones at 202-289-6400, or by visiting the ASMFC web site at http://www.asmfc.org.

Individuals can provide input into the decision-making process by attending the meeting; writing American Lobster Fishery Management Plan Coordinator Heather Stirratt at 1444 Eye Street, N.W., Sixth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005; faxing their input to 202-289-6051; or e-mailing it to hstirratt@asmfc.org. Public comments will be accepted until Sept. 15.