A controversial new lottery system for fishing permits at a prized New Jersey state park has ignited fury among local anglers, who say they are being unfairly shut out in favour of visitors from other states.
A System Designed for Fairness That Backfired
Introduced by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to manage overwhelming demand, the lottery randomly allocates permits for vehicles to access Island Beach State Park's beaches for fishing. The intention was to create an equitable process, but the result has been a fierce debate over priority and access.
Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione reported receiving an overwhelming number of complaints from frustrated residents. "People are telling me, 'I'm a fisherman for 25 years, my father was a fisherman - we can't get on the beach,'" she said. "It's ridiculous."
Bacchione emphasised that locals feel blindsided, arguing that their substantial tax contributions should grant them preferential access. "We pay a lot of money in taxes in New Jersey, and maybe people from other states will get in before us. That's appalling," she stated.
Local Backlash and Allegations of Misuse
For lifelong residents, the park is more than just a fishing spot. Joel Infantine, who started a petition with over 1,100 signatures to reform the system, described Island Beach State Park as a vital sanctuary. "It is a staple for us here as locals… a place to get away from the hustle and bustle," he explained.
Infantine also highlighted how technical issues with the online application process disadvantaged many, particularly the elderly. "I'm not very computer savvy, and elderly people are going to have an extremely difficult time," he said, recalling his own struggle to upload a required photo.
Critics further allege that the permits, officially designated as mobile sport fishing passes, are being misused. Bacchione reported hearing that some individuals use them simply to host beach parties, sticking a fishing pole in the sand as a pretext. Local tackle shop owner Scott Thomas corroborated this, lamenting increased litter and people burning pallets with nails on the beach.
A Legislative Solution on the Horizon
In response to the outcry, state lawmakers are advancing a potential fix. A bill known as S-4775, sponsored by Senator Carmen Amato Jr, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre, proposes a significant change.
The legislation would grant New Jersey residents an exclusive two-week window to purchase permits each December before any remaining passes are offered to non-residents. Assemblyman Myhre called the 14-day window "reasonable" and expects broad bipartisan support.
In a joint statement, the legislative delegation said: "A significant number of our constituents have, for much of their lives, obtained mobile fishing permits without issue… Understandably, those who lost out through the new lottery process are extremely disheartened and are rightfully calling for policy changes that put New Jersey residents first."
However, some, like Scott Thomas, argue that enforcement, not scarcity, is the core issue. "If they wrote tickets or yanked passes from people breaking the rules, they wouldn't need the lottery," he contended.
For now, locals like Joel Infantine hold onto hope for a return to tradition. "We're not asking for anything crazy," he said. "We just want our sanctuary back."
