1. a. The Department of Environmental Protection shall adopt, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.) and within one year after the date of enactment of this act, rules and regulations providing for the taking and management of striped bass in and upon the marine waters of the State. These rules and regulations may include, but need not be limited to, possession and bag limits, size limits, seasons, area restrictions, and provisions concerning filleting and the possession of striped bass parts.

b. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall regulate the striped bass fishery in accordance with State policy as set forth in section 2 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C. 23:2B-2). The rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be consistent with (1) the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and (2) the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1991, c.43 (C. 23:5-45.3), section 5 of P.L.1983, c.506 (C. 23:5-47), and any other applicable State law concerning striped bass.

L.2015, c.45, s.1.