Coast Guard Step Up Enforcement of Federal Fishing Regs off Ocean County

The Coast Guard conducts boardings off the coast of Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey to remind anglers to obtain the proper permits prior to going fishing, July 28, 2017. Coast Guard boarding team members from Station Barnegat Light and Manasquan Inlet issued several fishing violations and want to educate the public on fishing regulations .U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Micallef

The U.S. Coast Guard has stepped up enforcement of federal fishing regulations in the waters off Ocean County, snaring anglers who do not possess permits for targeting highly migratory species, among other violations of fisheries laws.

Coast Guard boarding team members from Station Barnegat Light and Manasquan Inlet caught three recreational boat crews fishing without the required permits recently, according to Coast Guard officials. In two instances, Coast Guard members discovered recreational fishermen fishing without the correct permits, and in another instance, boarding team members discovered a recreational fishing boat crew attempting to catch bluefin tuna without a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fishing permit.

Fishermen attempting to catch bluefin tuna without a permit will be subject to a $500 fine, and each fish caught warrants another $500 fine for first time offenders. The second time a person is caught without an HMS permit, the fine increases to $750.

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Coast Guard officials publicly announced that they would like to remind anglers that if they intend to sell their catch, they are legally required to obtain a party charter permit prior to departing.

“Enforcing safety and fishing regulations for Highly Migratory Species is one of our priorities,” said Lt. j.g. Henry Dunphy, an Enforcement Officer at Sector Delaware Bay, based in Philadelphia, which covers Ocean County waters. “We work alongside our partner agencies to make sure that these fisheries are protected and sustainable so they are available to both recreational and commercial fishermen for generations to come.”

In order to adhere to federal laws, the Coast Guard has reminded fishermen to obtain proper National Marine Fisheries Service permits, which can be obtained through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s website: https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/

USCG officials did not release the names of those who were recently cited, nor the names of their vessels.