Councilor Hoffman suggested that the Council and the state should act more proactively to preserve the marine fisheries through improved restrictions on the use of different types of fishing gear. Restricting activity in some areas might allow rebuilding stock. He cited roller rig trawl gear as a prime culprit in that it destroys habitat and scars the bottom. Waiting for a new gear to be introduced on a widespread basis before an assessment is made of its impact on target and non-target resources and habitat is an unsound approach. Mr. Hoffman suggested the Council/state could avoid earlier problems with defining illegal gear by emulating Florida’s approach: define which gears are permissible for which species; any new type of gear would have to seek special approval from the DEC. Councilor Doxsee agreed with Mr. Hoffman that considerable damage was being done by a few trawlers that fish out of Belford, New Jersey. Chairman Wise asked for volunteers to put together a detailed proposal for defining permissible gear. Councilors Hoffman and McCarron will prepare a draft for future Council review.