New Jersey § 23:2b-2

§ 23:2b-2.

a. The Legislature hereby finds that: (1) The fisheries resources of the State make a material contribution to our economy

and food supply, as well as to the health, recreation, and well-being of our citizens;

and, (2) The fisheries resources of the State are a living, renewable form of wealth capable

of being maintained and greatly increased with proper management, but equally capable

of destruction if neglected or unwisely exploited. b. It is hereby declared to be the policy of this State to: (1) Provide an organizational framework that will permit the State to manage more

effectively its fisheries resources with the following objectives: (a) The conservation of fisheries resources and their habitat to promote their continued

productivity; (b) The maintenance and enhancement of fisheries resources to support a recreational

use where a species is the object of recreational fishing; (c) The maintenance and enhancement of fisheries resources to support a commercial

use where a species is the object of commercial fishing; (d) The management, on a basis of scientific information, of the fisheries resources

under the State's jurisdiction, and the participation in the management of other fisheries

in which New Jersey fishermen are engaged, with the objective of optimum yield; (2) Develop an active and modern commercial fisheries fleet, docks, freezing, processing

and marketing facilities; (3) Encourage citizen participation through advisory councils and otherwise, since

decisions concerning the distribution and allocation of fisheries resources have important

consequences for all citizens of this State; and, (4) Provide for conservation and management measures involving a reciprocal and cooperative

relationship among States and between States and the Federal Government, and between

States and the fisheries management councils established pursuant to the “Federal

Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1976” ( 16 USC §§ 1801 to 1882 ), since many species of fisheries resources travel across state and state-federal

boundaries; (5) Develop a viable aquaculture industry in the State, utilizing existing Federal

and other programs where appropriate, and necessary supportive infrastructure.