Radford reef - Division of Fish and Wildlife

Radford ReefBy Hugh M. Carberry, Reef Coordinator©2011 Nick Caloyianis/NickCaloyianis.comFollowing 16 months of rigorous preparatorywork, the 563-foot former U.S. Navy warshipArthur W. Radford was sunk on August 10, 2011on the Del-Jersey-Land Reef to become one of thelargest artificial reefs in the world.As planned, the vessel sank at a slow, controlledrate and remained oriented in an upright positionon the ocean floor. This successful conclusion wasa direct result of the collaborative work betweenreef coordinators from Delaware, New Jerseyand Maryland plus the expertise of the Norfolk,Virginia-based American Marine Group (AMG)who prepared the vessel for reefing.The reefing team faced many challenges alongthe way but achieved their goal: to create a safeand extremely clean ship that would providemaximum benefits as an artificial reef for anglersand scuba divers.“The Division of Fish and Wildlife expectsthe Arthur W. Radford reef to evolve„intoa world-class angling and scuba divingdestination.The vessel’s high profile, numerous compartmentsand tens of thousands of nooks andcrannies will provide essential habitat for openand bottom water fish species. It’s orientationon the ocean floor, numerous access pointsthroughout—in addition to its colossal size—willoffer scuba divers from all skill levels hundredsof areas to explore.Our reef team for this project consists of theU.S. Navy, the New Jersey, Delaware, Marylandfish and wildlife agencies plus American MarineGroup all boasting with pride that the Arthur W.Radford is the cleanest vessel in the world everreefed. Working with officials from the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency during thecleanup and preparatory phases, miles of coatedcopper wire and numerous felt gaskets that couldpotentially contained PCBs were completelyremoved.The Arthur W. Radford was a relatively newvessel having been constructed in 1974. Althoughthe likelihood of those contaminants beingonboard was extremely remote, the reef teamelected to remove these items anyway. In addition,testing was also performed on paint at randomlyselected locations throughout the vessel to ensureno PCBs were present. All samples tested cameback negative for contaminant. Removal of thesepotential contaminants and such rigorous painttesting has never before been performed on anywarship reefed off the United States. The ArthurW. Radford is a one-of-a-kind clean, green reef.Measured from the keel to the top of the superstructure,the Radford is 70 feet in height and wassunk at a depth of 130 feet. This means that abouthalf of the water column (from the ocean floor tothe surface) contains structure from the ArthurW. Radford. Bottom currents running along theocean floor will be directed upwards by the ship’shull, carrying nutrient rich water to the surface.These nutrients will create beneficial blooms ofplankton creating new feeding areas. Baitfishsuch as sand lance, round herring, anchovies andbutterfish will be found in abundance nearby,feeding on zooplankton.In addition, for reasons unknown, baitfisheshave a tendency to school around high profilestructure. Some theorize that these species areeither using the high profile structure as a pointof reference or find that the structure’s shadowconceals them from roving large pelagic fishes.The end result is that large pelagic fishes such asbluefin tuna, cobia and wahoo will discover theseschools and utilize the Arthur W. Radford as aprime feeding area.“Shark anglers will be able to driftacross the reef and have the opportunityto catch blue and mako sharks; trolling„vessels will have the possibility ofcatching bluefin tuna and wahoo.Reef-associated species such as black sea bass,tautog and hake will also be found in great abundanceat the Arthur W. Radford site.Once the vessel’s tens of thousands of nooksand crannies are fully colonized by hydroids,anemones and blue mussels, which usuallytakes about two years, this lush growth willArthur W. Radford FactsDeployed at:N 38 30.850'W 074 30.656'Destroyer type: Spruance classConstructed: 1974Decommissioned: 2003Length: 563 feetBeam: 55 feetDisplacement: 9,200 tons22 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest May 20122012 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com

attract and provide refuge for shrimp, lobstersand stone crabs, providing an eclectic menu forfish. Early reports from scuba divers who dovethe Radford reef between August and October2011 documented droves of black seabass andeven a wahoo. This vessel will last more than100 years on the ocean floor offering recreationalopportunities for generations to come.Scuba divers from New Jersey who have traveledto Florida to dive the 904-foot aircraftcarrier Oriskany or the 522-foot missile rangeinstrumentation ship Vandenberg now have a563-foot warship in their own backyard. TheDel-Jersey-Land Reef is located only 28.5 nauticalmiles south of Cape May Point. The vessel’s highvertical profile makes it the perfect scuba divefor beginner, novice and expert wreck divers.Beginners can descend to the upper level of theship (60–65 feet below the surface) and explorethe Radford’s wheel house and structures thatheld antisubmarine weapons. Novice divers canswim along the upper deck and peer down intothe silos that held tomahawk cruise missiles orpenetrate into the chain locker room that heldhundreds of shots of chain for the vessel’s massiveanchors. (Each shot of anchor chain is 15 fathoms,or 90-feet long.) Experienced wreck divers andtechnical divers can penetrate into the deepersections of the ship and explore the engine roomsor descend down an elevator shaft to the deepestportions of the ship.Wreck divers will be pleased to find that theArthur W. Radford is an extremely “diverfriendly” reef. All steel doors and hatches thatcould potentially close behind scuba divers havebeen removed, overhanging wires that couldensnare dive gear were taken down and numerousaccess panels were cut on the sides of the hull forpenetrating inside. In addition to the side holes,the upper deck was also cut at strategic locationsto increase the ambient light entering the vessel.The increased visibility within the ships interiorresulting from hull and deck modifications alongwith the cavernous areas inside all provide atarget-rich environment for spear gun hunters. Inparticular, from the helipad deck near the sternto the end of the superstructure near the bowlies a 300-foot alleyway that is wide and highenough to allow three tractor trailers to drivethrough side-by-side.“ „This area will become a spear gunhunters dream for shooting trigger fish,tautog and black sea bass.The tri-state reef team and American MarineGroup did everything possible to make the reefdiver-friendly and to sink the Radford uprightand intact, but Mother Nature had somethingelse in store. Just 17 days following the ship’sdeployment, Hurricane Irene madea direct hit over the Del-Jersey-LandReef. Scuba divers from Ocean City,Maryland who dove shortly thereafterdocumented that the Radford hadbroken into three pieces. This newscame as a shock to all of the reefpartners. Evidently, the energyreleased from Hurricane Irene wasno match for even a former U.S. Navydestroyer. While this unexpectedchange is unfortunate, ultimatelythe reef’s productivity will increase.Scuba divers will now have easier and completeaccess to all compartments and additionalambient light will enter the vessel. Fishingcharters and dive boats can dive and fish oneach portion separately, eliminating the needto jockey for position while anchoring. The hullbreakage also created a measurable increase inthe surface area which will increase the reef’sfish drawing power. The hull separation willalso allow lobsters to enter the interior of thevessel instead of just burrowing beneath thehull at the ocean floor.Del-Jersey-Land Inshore DGPSFROMCompassBearingDistance(n.m.)Distance Offshore.............28.5 n.m.Reef Area.......................1.46 sq. mi.Depth Range..................121–131 ft.0'60'121'131'TownsendsInletMaximumReef ProfileDepth Contours120–125 ft.125–130 ft.130–135 ft.HerefordInlet©2011 Nick Caloyianis/NickCaloyianis.comCape MayInlet179° 169° 158°41.7 35.62 33.7The Division of Fish and Wildlifewants to hear about your excursionsto the Arthur W. Radford.Contact us at (609) 748-2022 to share yourfishing reports and diving observations. We valueyour feedback, whether complimentary or critical.Your suggestions, comments and observationsultimately make us better reef managers.Go and enjoy the Arthur W. Radford!May 2012 New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest | 23NJFishandWildlife.com2012 Marine Issue

Skillful AnglerAwards ProgramThe Skillful Angler Awards Program is designedto supplement the New Jersey Record FishProgram. It is comprised of three categories:Adult (for anglers age 16 and older), Junior (underage 16) and Catch and Release (based on length).A clear, side-view photo that allows accuratespecies identification must be included with eachapplication. All photo entries become property ofFishing the Barnegat Light the Division of Fish and Wildlife and will not beReef, John Howell caught this returned. Well-composed, high resolution photos4.24-pound black sea bass.may be selected for printing in future Digests.The Skillful Angler Awards program acknowledges that many anglers catchfreshwater and marine fish that are not record size, but are still worthy of recognitionbecause the size and weight of the fish sufficiently tested the angler’sskill. The program is open to resident and non-resident anglers. All fish must becaught in New Jersey waters using a hook and line during legally open seasons.Anglers qualifying for a Skillful Angler award receive a certificate and abronze pin to adorn their fishing hat or jacket. Only one pin and certificateper species—regardless of category—will be awarded annually to eachparticipant, but an angler may submit applications for larger fish caughteven after receiving a pin.At the end of the year, special recognition is given to anglers who catchthe largest fish in each species category. The winner of each category is senta special certificate recognizing his or her accomplishment as the best ofNew Jersey’s Skillful Anglers.Fish must be measured from the tip of the nose (with mouth closed) tothe tip of the tail (see Measuring Fish page 12). For Catch and Releasecategories, fish must be photographed alongside a ruler. For Adult/Juniorcategories, fish must be weighed and measured by fishing license agents,tackle shops or authorized Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologists.Learn more online at NJFishandWildlife.com/skflang.htm.New Jersey Skillful Angler ApplicationName________________________________________ Age________Address____________________________________________________________________________________________________City_______________________________State________ Zip_________Daytime Telephone Number (________)___________________________Entry Category (check only one):❑ Adult ❑ Junior (16 years and under)❑ Catch and Release (qualification based on length)Fish Species (Angler must complete. Subject to verification by a state biologist.)________________________________________________________Weight_______lb(s).,_______oz. Length_______in. Girth_______in.Date Caught*_______/_____/________ Time_____________Location_______________________________________________Caught from (check only one):❑ Boat ❑ Shore ❑ Surf ❑ Jetty❑ Other (specify)___________________________________________Minimum Entry Requirements:SpeciesAdult Weight(lbs., oz.)Junior Weight(lbs., oz.)Catch &Release(inches)Black Sea Bass 4 3 20Striped Bass 40 36 42Black Drum 70 63 46Bluefish 18 16 33Cod 30 27 42Dolphin 30 27 n/aWinter Flounder 2 1 lb., 8 oz. 16Fluke 8 7 27Kingfish 1 8 oz. 13Mako Shark 250 225 n/aBlue Marlin 400 360 n/aWhite Marlin 60 54 n/aPollock 25 22 lbs., 8 oz. 41Tautog 8 7 22Albacore Tuna 50 45 n/aBig Eye Tuna 200 180 n/aBluefin Tuna 500 450 n/aYellowfin Tuna 120 108 n/aTuna (other) 250 225 n/aWeakfish 10 9 30The New Jersey State Record Fish Program requires a separate applicationand is based on weight alone. Scale certification documentation and aweighmaster’s signature are necessary. Other rules apply. Visit Fish andWildlife’s Web site at NJFishandWildlife.com for a complete list of currentstate records. See also page 25.Line Test Used _______________ Reel Type______________Rod Type ____________________ Lure/Bait ________________Certification for Adult and Junior CategoriesName of Establishment ________________________________________(where fish was measured and weighed)Telephone Number______________________________________Weighmaster’s Name___________________________________Weighmaster’s Signature________________________________I certify: 1) this fish was caught in New Jersey waters in accordance withstate laws and regulations; 2) the entry was weighed on a certified scale(for Adult and Junior categories only).❑ I have enclosed a clear, side-view photo.Applicant’sSignature_________________________________________ Date___________* Application and photo must be submitted within 30 days of catching the fish.Applications for fish caught in December will be accepted only until January 31.Mail to:NJ Division of Fish and WildlifeSkillful Angler Awards ProgramPequest Natural Resource Education Center605 Pequest Rd.Oxford, NJ 0786324 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest May 20122012 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com

New Jersey State RecordMarine Sport FishNew Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Record Fish Program honorsanglers who catch the largest of select species of freshwater and saltwaterfish. Record size is based on weight alone; there are no line classes. Currentlythere are 61 marine species eligible for entry into the program.Anglers are reminded that the objectiveof the Record Fish Program is to increaseawareness of fishing opportunities forspecies that are regularly sought androutinely found on or off the coast of NewJersey. The original list of 72 species waspared down with that objective in mind.Eleven species are now retired from thelist of program-eligible fish, but remainFishing off of Cape May, this new staterecord black sea bass taken by AndrewMerendino weighed 8 lbs., 4.5 oz.on a separate list posted on Fish andWildlife’s Web site. One historical catchis also retired and posted on the list.Anglers should be aware of the procedurein effect for entering the Record Fish Program. First, separate applicationsare required for freshwater and saltwater species. Second, for saltwater entries,it is now mandatory that a marine biologist inspect any potential record fish,as identification solely by photo is not always accurate. Anglers must call Fishand Wildlife’s Nacote Creek Research Station at (609) 748-2020 to makearrangements for inspection. In most instances, the fish must be transportedto this office in Port Republic. However, in the case of extremely large fish (i.e.,shark and tuna), a biologist should be available to travel for dockside inspection.Note that all scale certification requirements still apply, including a validCertificate of Inspection/Test Report and current Registration Certificateissued by the County Office of Weights and Measures.The entry deadline is now no later than one month after the date of catch.Note that the triggerfish category is now defined as gray triggerfish.For a complete list of state record fish or to print an application withcomplete program rules, visit the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Web siteat NJFishandWildlife.com/fishing.htm.New Jersey State Record Marine FishSpecies Lbs. Oz. Year Angler Where CaughtAmberjack, greater 85 0 1993 Edwin Metzner Off Cape MayBass, black sea 8 4.5 2010Andrew A.MerendinoOff Cape MayBluefish 27 1 1997 Roger Kastorsky 5 Fathom BankBonito, Atlantic 13 8 1945 Frank Lykes, Jr. Off Sandy HookCobia 87 0 1999 John Shanchuk Off Sea BrightCod 81 0 1967 Joseph Chesla Off BrielleCrab, blue8¾" pt.to pt.2009 Raymond Ponik BayonneCroaker, Atlantic 5 8 1981 Frederick Brown Delaware Bay*Cunner 2 9 2006 Nick Honachefsky Mud HoleDogfish, smooth 19 9 2010 Richard A. Proot, III MantolokingDogfish, spiny 15 12 1990 Jeff Pennick Off Cape MayDolphin 63 3 1974 Scott Smith, Jr. Baltimore CanyonDrum, black 109 0 2008 Nick Henry Delaware BayDrum, red 55 0 1985 Daniel Yanino Great BayEel, American 9 13 1988 Warren Campbell Atlantic CityFluke 19 12 1953 Walter Lubin Off Cape MayFlounder, winter 5 11 1993 Jimmy Swanson Off Barnegat LightHake, white 41 7 1989 Wayne Eble Off Barnegat LightSpecies Lbs. Oz. Year Angler Where CaughtKingfish, Northern 2 8 2004 Chester Urbanski Barnegat BayLing (red hake) 12 13 2010 Billy Watson Off ManasquanMackerel, Atlantic 4 1 1983 Abe Elkin Manasquan RidgeMackerel, king 54 0 1998 Fernando Alfaiate Off Cape May*Mackerel, Spanish 9 12 1990 Donald Kohler Off Cape MayMarlin, blue 1,046 0 1986 Phil Infantolino Hudson CanyonMarlin, white 137 8 1980 Mike Marchell Hudson CanyonPerch, white 2 12 1998 Michael King Little Beach Creek*Pollock 46 7 1975 John Holton Off BriellePorgy 5 14 1976 Victor Rone Delaware BaySailfish 43 4 2006 Dr. John TalliaLinden KohlCanyonSeatrout, spotted 11 2 1974 Bert Harper Holgate SurfShad, American 7 0 1967 Rodger West Great BayShad, hickoryVacant (Minimum Weight 2 lbs.)Shark, blue 366 0 1996 William Young, Jr. Mud HoleShark, bullVacant (Minimum Weight 150 lbs.)Shark, dusky 530 0 1987 Brian Dunlevy Off Great Egg InletShark, hammerhead365 0 1985 Walter Thacara Mud HoleShark, porbeagleVacant (Minimum Weight 100 lbs.)Shark, sandbar 168 8 1987 John Norton Little Egg InletShark, s-fin mako 856 0 1994Christopher WilmingtonPalmerCanyonShark, thresher 683 0 2009BennettFogelbergFingersShark, tiger 880 0 1988 Billy DeJohn Off Cape MaySheepshead 17 3 2003 Paul Lowe Manahawkin BaySpadefish 11 6 1998 Cliff Low Delaware BayPoor Man’s42 0 1989 George AlgardSpearfish, longbillCanyon42 0 1997 Joseph Natoli Hudson CanyonSpot 0 13 2003 Robert Belsky, Jr.Little SheepsheadCreek*Striped Bass 78 8 1982 Al McReynolds Atlantic CitySwordfish 530 0 1964 Edmund LevittWilmingtonCanyon*Tautog 25 0 1998 Anthony Monica Off Ocean CityTilefish, golden 63 8 2009DennisMuhlenforthLinden KohlCanyonTilefish, gray 18 7 2007 Joseph Sanzone Tom’s CanyonTriggerfish, gray 5 12 2008 Ronald Pires High Bar HarborTuna, albacore 77 15 1984Dr. S.ScannapiegoSpencer CanyonTuna, big-eye 364 14 1984 George Krenick Hudson CanyonTuna, bluefin 1,030 6 1981 Royal Parsons Off Pt. PleasantTuna, skipjack 13 4 1999 Craig EberbachWilmingtonCanyonTuna, yellowfin 290 0 1980WayneBrinkerhoffHudson CanyonTunny, little 24 15 1977 Mark Niemczyk Off Sea BrightWahoo 123 12 1992 Robert Carr 28-Mile WreckWeakfish 18 8 1986 Karl Jones Delaware BayWhiting(silver hake)Vacant (Minimum Weight 2.5 lbs.)* Fish was previously certified by the IGFA as a world record.For information concerning the New Jersey State Record Fish or SkillfulAngler programs, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’sWeb site at NJFishandWildlife.com.May 2012 New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest | 25NJFishandWildlife.com2012 Marine Issue

FeistyWhite PerchFine Fish in a Small PackageBy Maryellen Gordon, Assistant Fisheries BiologistCollins Cove in the Mullica Riverprovided some good white perch fishingfor Chris Fitzsimmons.Tom PagliaroliThe white perch, Morone americana,is a member of the temperate bass family and nota true perch. These fish resemble their much largerrelative, the striped bass; however they are shorter,deeper-bodied and lack stripes. They are deepestunder the first dorsal fin, creating the appearanceof a hump. White perch have two dorsal fins, whichare barely connected. The first dorsal fin has 8 to 10strong spines and the second is completely soft rayed.As water temperatures rise in the spring, adultperch begin their spawning run and move upstreaminto brackish and fresh waters. Females will release50,000 to 150,000 eggs over a period of 10 to 21days. A single female is surrounded by several males,then eggs and sperm are spread at will over sand orgravel bottoms.After fertilization takes place, eggs hatch in one tosix days. Juveniles remain close to their hatchinggrounds through much of the summer and fall.During winter months, they tend to move intodeeper waters of the bays. White perch spend mostof their lives in close proximity to the area wherethey were hatched.White perch are schooling fish, from their youththrough adulthood. They prefer open water, steeringclear of cover and structures, but can be foundnear bridges and submerged logs. Lake populationsof perch feed both during day and night, but aregenerally more active in low light. Both freshwaterand saltwater white perch populations spend theday in deeper waters then move to the shallowsand inshore waters at night. As young, they feedprimarily on aquatic insect larvae, but as juvenilesand adults, they consume a variety of small fishes,crabs and shrimp.For several reasons, white perch are one ofthe most sought after fishing targets. Found in bothfresh and brackish waters, these perch are plentifulwhen located, making them an easy target foranglers. They can be caught at any hour of the day,but are most active during changing light conditions.For their size, they are a bit feisty and can put upquite the fight. Perhaps an even greater selling pointis how delectable they are to the palate. Some saythat white perch are one of the tastiest fish in NewJersey’s waters.Knowing where to find these fish is one of thekeys to successfully fishing for them; the other isfiguring out how to attract them. Good places totry are creek and ditch mouths, drop offs to deepwater and eddys. Talking with local anglers may bethe best way to learn about white perch hot spots.If the locals won’t give up their secret fishing sites,ask around at area bait shops.While perch can be fished any time of the year,ice fishing in late winter/early spring might be themost productive. Perch spend more time in denseschools on the prowl for food during early spring,which can make for a very busy day of fishing onceyou locate the school. During summer months,perch are more spread out requiring more time tolook for your prize.26 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest May 20122012 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com

When temperaturesgrow cooler in latefall and early winter,perch will gatherin shallow weeds.As mid-winterapproaches, perch will migrate to the nearest deep pool or basin.They welcome the spring ice thaw by moving towards theirspawning grounds. Keep in mind that perch are small predatorsand will follow their food source.When trying your luck at ice fishing remember that ice should bea minimum of 4 inches thick for a single angler, 5 inches or more tosupport several anglers single file. Drill several holes for a more efficientway to locate the fish. The most effective method of ice fishingis jigging where you raise just the rod tip about a foot and drop it backto where it was, repeating every five to 10 seconds.Tom PagliaroliLive bait should be your choice when searching for a school. Perchtend to congregate at about 15 to 25 feet. Once you locate fish, continuefishing around that depth with live or artificial bait. Whether fishingin the colder or warmer months, suggested live baits include minnows,worms and grass shrimp.Useful artificial baitsinclude vertical spoons orflash spoons, horizontal jigsand swimming lures. A surefirecombination is to put aminnow head on one hook ofa vertical spoon.New Jersey has many goodplaces for white perch fishing.Head north to Lake Hopatcongfor a little ice fishing. If you’rein the south, try Collins Cove on the Mullica River or Amasa Holeon the Bass River—the newly constructed pier seen from Exit 50 onthe Garden State Parkway. Other productive white perch fishinglocations are the Raritan River, Manasquan River, Toms River, GreatEgg Harbor River, Tuckahoe River, Maurice River and Cohansey River.No matter where or when you try to catch these lively fish, you aresure to have a fulfilling day out on the water!For information on white perch by marine fisheries biologist HughCarberry, visit our Web site at NJFishandWildlife.com/artwhtperch.htm.NJ Div. Fish and WildlifeThe Jessie O’Fishing & Cruising FleetCaptain Andy’s Marina · (609) 412-36359317 Amherst Avenue · Margate, New JerseyDeep Sea Fishing on the Jessie O’ IIBack Bay Fishing on Jessie O’s Fish N’ FunOcean & Bay Fishing · Private Parties · Small & Large GroupsDinner Cruises · Catering & DJ ServicesJessieOFishing.comThompson Management, LLCThanks to Marc Resciniti (Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring) andHugh Carberry (Bureau of Marine Fisheries) , contributors.A simple recipe worth trying!Beer Battered White Perch+/- 6,000 Acres of Hunting LandAvailable for Bid in Central New JerseyAnnual bids begin July 1st8 whole white perch, dressed1⁄2 cup butter, melted1⁄2 cup beer2 eggs1 cup flour1⁄2 cup cornstarchvegetable oilBeat eggs and mix with butter and beer. Stir in flour and cornstarch. In adeep fryer or pan, heat oil on high. Dip each white perch in batter and thenfry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve. Serves 3 to 4.For more information, or to submit a bid,visit our website...ThompsonManagementLLC.comor call 609.921.7655It’s never too late…Submit your bid today!New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest | 272012 Marine Issue

Health Advisoryfish smart, eat smartFish Smart, Eat SmartEating Fish And Crabs Caught In New Jersey WatersVisit FishSmartEatSmartNJ.orgFishing provides enjoyable and relaxingrecreation. Fish are an excellent sourceof protein and other nutrients and playa role in maintaining a healthy, wellbalanceddiet. Many anglers enjoy cooking and eating their owncatch. However, elevated levels of potentially harmful chemicalcontaminants such as dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),pesticides and mercury have been found in certain fish and crabsin some New Jersey waters. Fish consumption advisories havebeen adopted to guide citizens on safe consumption practices.The current list of fish consumption advisories consists of statewide,regional and water body-specific warnings for a variety offish species and fish consumers. The New Jersey Department ofEnvironmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Healthand Senior Services have prepared literature and a new Web siteto help you make informed choices about which fish to eat andhow to reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.Check online for fish consumption advisorieson the local water body in which you fish!Go to FishSmartEatSmartNJ.orgTo reduce exposure to harmful chemical contaminants whenpreparing and eating the fish species taken from the identifiedwaters, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided. TheDEP encourages you to consult the Fish Smart-Eat Smart FishAdvisory Guide or www.FishSmartEatSmartNJ.org when makingdecisions about eating recreationally caught fish and crabs.The Fish Smart-Eat Smart Advisory Guide includes contaminantinformation, advisory charts, plus preparation and cookingmethods to reduce contaminant levels, as well as specificguidelines, advice and prohibitions for people at high risk, suchas children, pregnant women and women of child-bearing age.The Guide also includes Web site links to Pennsylvania,Delaware and New York for information about fish consumptionadvisories for shared waters.For a complete list of state and federal marine fish consumptionadvisories visit: FishSmartEatSmartNJ.org.The fish consumption advisories and Fish Smart-Eat SmartWeb site are updated periodically and are available online orfrom the Office of Science at (609) 984-6070 and through theDepartment of Health and Senior Services at (609) 826-4935.28 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest May 20122012 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com

Explore. Experience. Enjoy!September 15 & 16, 201210 am – 5 pm dailyColliers Mills Wildlife Management AreaJackson Township, NJTom PagliaroliFishingKayakingBirdingRock Climbing3D and Target ArcheryHunting/Trapping InstructionFish and Wildlife ExhibitsOutdoor Supply Flea MarketHikingOrienteeringCamping SkillsTrap/22 Rifle ShootingAnd much more FREE family fun!For more information visit WildOutdoorExpo.comNearly 14 miles out of Little Egg Inlet,Denise Theiler hooked a nice tautog.New Jerseyis now available ONLINE!Full-featured websiteiPad & iPhone accessibleShare with friends onVisit us online today at www.eRegulations.com/NJ/fishing/saltwaterMay 2012 New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest | 29NJFishandWildlife.com2012 Marine Issue

Need to KnowOn the Go?The New Jersey Marine Digestis now available onlinethrough your mobile devices!eRegulations.com/NJ/fishing/saltwater}}Warning: wildlife hazardPlease properly dispose of all fishing line. Plasticdebris can endanger aquatic life and snare propellers.Could this be your line?Shyam Menon30 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest May 20122012 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com