Authorizes use of certain fish pumps to remove menhaden from purse seines in New Jersey waters.

This bill revises the law to allow the use of certain fish pumps to remove menhaden from purse seines in New Jersey waters. It permits the use of wet pumps, either capsule or centrifugal design, provided the pump discharge hose is placed at or below the vessel’s water line to minimize surface water aeration. The bill aims to increase efficiency and safety for commercial bait catch vessels, allowing them to vacate fishing grounds quicker and reducing the risk of fish kills from broken nets.

Authorizes use of certain fish pumps to remove menhaden from purse seines in New Jersey waters.

This bill revises the law to allow the use of certain fish pumps to remove menhaden from purse seines in New Jersey waters. It permits the use of wet pumps, either capsule or centrifugal design, provided the pump discharge hose is placed at or below the vessel’s water line to minimize surface water aeration. The bill aims to increase efficiency and safety for commercial bait catch vessels, allowing them to vacate fishing grounds quicker and reducing the risk of fish kills from broken nets.