Authorizes use of certain fish pumps to remove menhaden from purse seines.

This New Jersey bill allows commercial fishing vessels to use specific types of fish pumps to remove menhaden from purse seines, changing the current rule that requires crews to use only hand nets or dip nets. The law permits the use of wet pumps, either capsule or centrifugal design, provided they are operated with the discharge hose placed at or below the water line to prevent excess aeration of the water. Sponsored by Assemblymen Cody D. Miller and Heather Simmons, the legislation aims to improve safety for crew members and reduce the risk of fish kills by making the harvesting process more efficient. By enabling quicker removal of fish, the bill also intends to help commercial boats leave fishing grounds faster, which could minimize conflicts with recreational fishing vessels.