23:2B-2. Legislative findings; state policy

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 s.s. 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.

L.1979, c. 199, s. 2, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.