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New Jersey

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing

New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program

ATTENTION: Recreational Saltwater Anglers

Register because you make a difference! FREE. EASY. REQUIRED.

The saltwater registry acts as a current contact list for mail and telephone surveys. Participation in the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP) is vital in achieving accurate recreational fishing estimates, helping to ensure healthy fisheries for future generations.

Do your part to help maintain sustainable fisheries and join the thousands of other anglers who have already registered with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program.

In 2022, the NJSRRP had 138,607 individual registrants, with just over 68% (94,662) being NJ residents. Individuals registered from all 50 US states, 2 US territories and 42 other countries. The pie chart shows the 15 states with the greatest number of participants (totaling 135,198 individuals) in the NJSRRP.

* Anglers are reminded that registrations expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed annually. For more information on the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program and to register, visit saltwaterregistry.nj.gov.

Line graph showing Individual Registration Totals for the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP)

New Jersey: Stock Status & Management Updates

Species

Status

Recent/Next Action

American Lobster

SNE stock depleted; Not overfishing

Peer review assessment 2025

American Shad

Depleted coastwide; Overfishing status unknown

Peer review assessment 2020

Atlantic Croaker

Overfished and overfishing status unknown

Peer review assessment 2024

Atlantic Striped Bass

Overfished; Not overfishing

Update stock assessment 2024

Black Drum

Not overfished; Not overfishing

Peer review assessment 2022

Black Sea Bass

Not overfished; Not overfishing

Research track assessment 2023

Bluefish

Overfished; Not overfishing

Management track assessment 2023

Coastal Sharks

Varies by species

asmfc.org/species/coastal-sharks

Cobia

Not overfished; Not overfishing

Research track assessment 2025

Horseshoe Crab

Status unknown; Moratorium since 2008

Update stock assessment 2024

Scup

Not overfished; Not overfishing

Update stock assessment 2023

Spanish Mackerel

Not overfished; Not overfishing

Update stock assessment 2022

Spiny Dogfish

Not overfished; Not overfishing

Management track assessment 2023

Summer Flounder

Not overfished; Not overfishing

Management track assessment 2023

Tautog

NJ-NY Bight stock overfished: Not overfishing

Potential update stock assessment 2024

Weakfish

Depleted; Not overfishing

Potential update stock assessment 2025

Winter Flounder

Not overfished; Not overfishing

Update stock assessment 2022