The New Jersey Fish and Game Council, in coordination with the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council, and the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife have modified the regulations for American shad in marine and fresh waters of the state.
The regulations for American shad in New Jersey waters are as follows; which became effective January 1, 2013:
All American shad fisheries (both commercial and recreational), in both marine and fresh waters, with the exception of the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries, are closed (no possession, take or harvest). The recreational possession limit in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries is 3 fish with no minimum size and an open season all year. Commercial net regulations for American shad in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries will remain the same.
These steps were taken to comply with Amendment 3 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) management plan for American shad and river herring due to concerns about the significant coastwise decline of American shad stocks.
The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife is also reminding saltwater anglers to register or renew their registration for 2013 with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. All saltwater anglers must register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP) prior to fishing in 2013. Anglers who registered in 2012 are reminded that registrations expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed annually.
Anglers with a valid license/registration from another exempted state, or a New Jersey freshwater license, are still required to register (for free) with the NJSRRP.
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