New Jersey now bans possession of all the ennecanthus sunfishes!
A recently adopted regulation (see below) in New Jersey now bans possession of all the ennecanthus sunfishes effective March 1st 2008. The Ennecanthus sunfishes are shy, small and unusuallly colorful . They have been a staple in many classroom and home aquarium. We hope this legislation has its intended consequense of furthering their conservation. 26. In proposed new N.J.A.C. 7:25-6.13(u), the Council proposes to prohibit the possession of mud sunfish, blackbanded sunfish, bluespotted sunfish, and banded sunfish. Found only in a narrow range of New Jersey’s waters, and in low abundance, these important native Pinelands species are not typically targeted by anglers. However, there is potential for these species to be captured while angling and currently there are no creel or size limit restrictions. The proposed possession restriction would result in these unique species being released immediately, unharmed, when encountered by anglers.
