The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is notifying anglers of the 2014 Summer Flounder and Black Sea Bass recreational regulations which were recently changed.

At a special meeting on April 3, 2014, the NJ Marine Fisheries Council approved the following measures for 2014:

Summer Flounder:

• 18-inch size limit
• 5 fish possession limit
• 2014 open season is May 23 to September 27 (see "Note" below)

Black Sea Bass:

• 12.5-inch size limit
• 15 fish possession limit from May 19 to June 30
• 3 fish possession limit from July 1 to August 31
• 15 fish possession limit from September 1 to September 6
• 15 fish possession limit from October 18 to December 31

Anglres should also note that the Winter Flounder season opened March 1 and will run through December 31, 2014.

Anglers are advised to check the Regulations page on the Division's website, or phone the "listen only" line at 609-292-2083 for future regulatory changes.

NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program

The Division reminds all saltwater anglers they must register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP) prior to fishing in 2014. Registrations expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed annually. Anglers who registered in 2013 should renew now!

Anglers with a valid license/registration from another exempted state or a New Jersey freshwater license, are still required to register (for free) with the NJSRRP.

For more information on the NJSRRP or to register for 2014, please visit www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov. To renew a 2013 registration, select "RENEW ANY REGISTRATION". Anglers or for-hire vessel owners/operators who have not registered with the NJSRRP previously should select "NEW INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION" or "NEW FOR-HIRE REGISTRATION" respectively.

After registering, become part of the fishery management process!

Submit fishing reports after each saltwater trip to the NJ Volunteer Angler Survey. Your fishing reports, whether you caught zero or 50 fish, can help improve saltwater fishing opportunities in NJ. Scientists, stakeholders, public officials and many others all have a hand in making recreational fishing regulations. But if you're a fisherman, the process ultimately revolves around you. What we learn from anglers is critical to understand the health of fisheries. You can have a real impact on our resources and how they are managed. Submit online reports at www.njfishandwildlife.com/marinesurvey.htm.

Anglers should always consult the Marine Digest for regulatory information. The 2014 edition is now available on line and at coastal bait and marine stores. The Digest is your best source for saltwater regulations and informative fishery-related articles.