NJFW’s Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries is funded entirely by New Jersey sportsmen, through the sale of fishing licenses and through a Federal excise tax on the manufacturing of hunting and fishing related equipment. This “user-pays” system has made great strides in financing the management of New Jersey’s fish and wildlife resources, not only to the benefit of licensed hunters and anglers but to every one of the state’s over 8 million residents. Wildlife associated recreation also generates $2.2 billion dollars into the state’s economy each year, with an estimated 300,000 freshwater anglers generating $138 million dollars alone. The two funding sources are described below.

Hunter and Angler Fund – Licenses, Stamps, and Permits

The sale of freshwater fishing licenses and trout stamps generates over $3.2 million dollars to NJFW each year. Of this, $1 million is allocated to the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries to support the state’s freshwater research and management efforts, and $2.2 million is allocated to hatchery operations.

Sport Fish Restoration Program

The Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFRP) provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education. The Program is authorized by the Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson DJ) of 1950. Revenues collected by the manufacturers of fishing rods, reels, creels, and lures (who pay an excise tax on these items to the U.S. Treasury) fund the Program. These funds are made available to states through financial assistance grants administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The amount of funding available is based on an apportionment formula. SFRP is a cost-reimbursement program, where the state covers the full amount of the approved project then applies for reimbursement for up to 75% of project expenses.

The Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries annually receives over $1 million in SFRP matching funds for research and management activities and fish culture. NJ F-48-R, Investigations and Management of New Jersey’s Freshwater Fisheries Resources, funds surveys and investigations conducted by Bureau biologists on freshwater sportfish populations and anglers. Activities conducted under this grant document status and changes in fish populations and angling, and the data collected is used to adjust management actions to promote sustainable fisheries.