Meeting Tonight Aims To Help Cape May County Charter Fishing Industry

By David Madden

SOMERS POINT, N.J. (CBS) — A meeting early this evening in Somers Point, NJ will look into concerns surrounding the charter fishing business in Cape May County.

The multimillion-dollar industry is at a crossroads, according to Vicki Clark, head of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the session.

There’s genuine concern that many boat owners will have to get out of the business because of taxes, regulations, regional competition, and the possibility that some species of fish may be over-harvested.

“If other states have figured out how to do this better, let’s take a look at what they’re doing to improve the opportunities here in New Jersey,” Clark told KYW Newsradio this morning.

Following the meeting, set for 5:30pm at the Greate Bay Country Club, a list of concerns and recommendations will be forwarded to state legislators for their consideration.

The meeting is open to the public, with a $10 fee.