Friday, May 06, 2011

Strathmere Improvement Association Newsletter - May 5, 2011

In this issue: Strathmere Is Coming Back to Life (More Openings); Flounder Season Starts Saturday (NJ Registration Required)

*****************************************

In addition to those openings we mentioned (below) last week, Stephanie wants everyone to know that the Old Shack will be open weekends starting this Saturday. The Whale Creek Marina has been open right along, and Frank's Boats will also open Saturday for the start of Flounder Season.


We are seeing lots of signs of the approaching summer season. Frank's boats are in the water; almost all of the trailers are back; the Deauville is now open seven days a week; Mildred's is open three days; Twistie's and Uncle Bill's will open Mothers' Day weekend; and La Fontana, which is having a new septic system installed, is hoping to open Mothers' Day weekend (they are also opening a new restaurant at 50th Street in Sea Isle).

As you may have seen here on the Strathmere Blog, the Strathmere Motel has been sold and is undergoing extensive renovations with plans to reopen in May.

*****************************************

Speaking of Flounder Season, the DEP Commissioner signed new regulations April 29, and the season runs from May 7 until September 25 with a limit of 8 fish at a minimum of 18 inches in length. The season is more than a month and half longer than last year when the limit was 6 fish per day.



*******************************************

If you do plan to fish in New Jersey tidal waters (the bay or the ocean) this year (and are 16 or older), be advised that NJ recently implemented the free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP). Prior to going out fishing you need to register with the NJSRRP. Registration is only available online at http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/index.html . This program was established to exempt NJ anglers and for-hire vessels from registering with the federal survey and the $15.00 fee now associated with that registry.

Note: those who previously registered with the federal program or have a valid fishing license from another exempted state are still required to register with NJ's program.

The DEP's new regulation indicates that any person in violation of not being registered with the state of New Jersey, or failure to have their registry card in possession may be liable for a penalty of not less than $300 or more than $3,000 for the first offense, and not less than $500 or more than $5,000 for any subsequent offense.

We doubt that there will be stringent enforcement at first, but registering is fast, easy and free, so go ahead and do it and don't take any chances! Just go to http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/index.html   The page there includes information on who must register. Don't forget to print out your registration card!


**************************************


The Strathmere Improvement Association includes all owners in Strathmere and Whale Beach and many visitors. It was founded over 50 years ago as a community organization with the simple objective of making Strathmere a better place. We are proud of the organization's many accomplishments over the years.

Once again, thanks for your continuing support!


Butch Vandegrift - President
Linda Bateman -Vice-President
Donna Diefenderfer - Treasurer
Dorothy Addario - Recording Secretary
Ken Weaver - Corresponding Secretary

No comments: