Sedge Island
New Jersey
Saltwater Fishing
Living Shoreline
By Kira Dacanay, Principal Fisheries Biologist and Scott Stueber, Assistant Fisheries Biologist

Traditionally, structures such as bulkheads and revetments are used to protect coastlines from erosion. Living shorelines are an innovative alternative for stabilizing eroding shorelines in lower-energy environments while also improving natural habitats. A living shoreline was recently installed at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center just west of Island Beach State Park. Catch the full story at www.NJFishandWildlife.com/artsedge_shoreline20.htm
New Jersey: Stock Status & Management Updates | ||
Species | Status | Next Action |
American Lobster | Depleted; | Research stock assessment 2020 |
American Shad | Depleted; Moratorium since 2013 | Research stock assessment |
Atlantic Menhaden | Not overfished; | Research stock assessment |
Atlantic Sea Herring | Not overfished; | Management stock assessment 2020 |
Atlantic Striped Bass | Overfished; | Management action for ASMFC; Mandated 18% reduction in removals effective April 1, 2020 |
Black Sea Bass | Not overfished; | Operational stock assessment completed 2019; use of conservation equivalency for recreational management starting 2020 |
Bluefish | Overfished; | Operational stock assessment completed 2019; mandated 29% reduction in |
Coastal Sharks | Varies by species | Assessments: |
Cobia | Not overfished; | SEDAR 58 stock assessment |
Horseshoe Crab | Status unknown; Moratorium since 2008 | Research stock assessment |
Weakfish | Depleted; | Operational stock assessment |
Winter Flounder | Overfished; | Management stock assessment 2020 |
For updates or more information, please visit www.asmfc.org |
Marine Fisheries: Recreational Surveys
Be Counted
The Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS) has been conducted by New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Marine Fisheries staff since 2016. You may see our interviewers at marine public access fishing sites throughout New Jersey. The survey targets marine recreational anglers to obtain information about fishing effort, catch and participation. The more interviews conducted, the more successful this survey becomes for estimating overall catch, which is an integral factor for managing fisheries.
Along with increased outreach at public events, our Marine Fisheries staff are interested in talking with fishing clubs/groups about the importance of the APAIS. We rely heavily on our valued anglers, creating a joint venture to preserve New Jersey’s natural resources. Contact Maryellen Gordon at (609) 748-2020 for us to come to your meeting or event. We look forward to meeting you!
If you’re not “intercepted” for an interview while fishing or contacted through the Saltwater Registry, you can still participate by submitting a fishing report after each saltwater trip to the New Jersey Volunteer Angler Survey. Your reports have a real impact on how New Jersey’s ocean resources are managed. Submit online reports at www.NJFishandWildlife.com/marinesurvey.htm.
Sedge Island Field Experience
Programs — Summer 2020
Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center is offering a variety of overnight programs in the summer of 2020 for students, adults and families. Come spend a day/night at the Sedge House and learn about fishing, clamming, salt marsh ecology and what’s edible in and around the Barnegat Bay!
Visit NJFishandWildlife.com/sedge_summer.htm for details, date and cost or contact Karen Byrne at Karen.Byrne@dep.nj.gov.