Improving Application Process for Island Beach State Park Permits 

TRENTON – Today, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Shirley K. Turner and Carmen Amato, Jr. that would give priority to New Jersey residents to purchase mobile sport fishing permits, which allow visitors to drive vehicles on certain state beaches.

“Recent changes to the application process for mobile fishing permits have effectively shut out some New Jersey residents from accessing the license they need to experience everything our beautiful parks and beaches have to offer,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “The families who live in our state and fund our recreational areas deserve priority for these permits. By opening the application window to New Jersey residents first, we can ensure the people who help to preserve and maintain our shoreline and green spaces are the first to enjoy them.”

The bill, S-303, would require the Department of Environmental Protection to provide a 14-day window during which mobile sport fishing permits may only be purchased by New Jersey residents.

The bill is in response to recent policy changes at Island Beach State Park, where many visitors drive onto the beach to fish. The current application process has frustrated many New Jersey residents who were not able to obtain a permit after not being selected based on the lottery system.