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>N.J. congressmen seek changes in fishing laws

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N.J. congressmen seek changes in fishing laws

A federal law designed to prevent over-fishing and regrow fish stocks is hurting commercial and recreational fishing industries in New Jersey, two lawmakers told a congressional committee Thursday.

Reps. Jon Runyan, R-N.J., and Frank Pallone, D-N.J., testified before the House Natural Resources Committee about their proposals to change some provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

The 35-year-old law, which Congress last updated in 2006, created eight regional fishery management councils and set yearly catch limits for various species such as black sea bass, an important species for New Jersey’s fishing industry. Industry groups say some catch limits are too stringent.  (Chebium, Gannett)

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