At the last City Council meeting, I reported that the administration was amending the rules and regulations for fishing off the beaches of the City to prohibit shark fishing on our beaches, including shore-based shark fishing by chumming, the use of unmanned drones, or with the assistance of any water vessel.
I also stated that the city would be contacting the local fishing community and the surfing community to look at long term solutions to shark fishing off the City shore. I fully understand that surf fishing has gone on for a long time; and very frankly, until this season, we have never had significant complaints or concerns raised about surf fishing on our beaches.
While we all understand that sharks inhabit the ocean and that we have a great reputation as a fishing community, local government must act responsibly when concerns such as those that were brought to us by many citizens are raised.
As I also indicated at the last City Council meeting, our objective is to ensure we ultimately put in place reasonable regulations that will promote the long-term sharing of surfing and fishing beaches by everyone.
Since that Council meeting, the city’s been contacted by several folks, both for and against the actions taken by the administration. As I said a moment ago, we will be contacting the surfing and fishing communities; and together we’ll figure out the best way to enjoy and share our beaches responsibly.
Any meetings or significant discussions on this matter will take place after Labor Day. No long-term decisions will be made until we’ve ensured that we’ve done our due diligence, and until all concerned parties have had an opportunity to weigh in on this.
Anyone who has called or emailed us about this issue, please know that we’ve taken your comments seriously, and we’ll get back to you if you’ve asked to be involved in future discussions on the matter. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the rest of the summer.
Also at the last City Council meeting, I proposed that we enact local legislation to provide tools to our police to deal with unacceptable juvenile and adult behavior; and I committed the administration to look into potential legislation at the local level to hold those who would do harm to people or property accountable for their actions. My message was, and is, “Enough is enough.”
Ironically, last week I spoke to Governor Murphy, and he asked if he could be of assistance in our efforts to address this public safety issue. I was subsequently contacted by the governor’s Assistant Chief of Staff; we had a good discussion, and I’m hopeful we’ll be able to get the help we’ve been asking for. Regardless, we will still move forward with our efforts to do everything in our power locally to prevent bad behavior.
I want to give a shout-out to Joe Griffies, our outstanding Veteran’s Advocate, who was actually the catalyst of the conversation I had with the governor. After my report on this issue two weeks ago, Joe made it a point to call the governor directly and ask for his help, and right after that, I was indeed contacted by the governor.
Joe is well known for his persistence and determination; and I want to thank him for all his efforts on behalf of not only all veterans, but for all of Sea Isle.
As always, please remember, we are one Sea Isle City, and together we’ll be stronger than ever.
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
