This bill proposes to officially rename Delaware Bay to the "Bay of New Jersey" across all New Jersey statutes and official references. It mandates that all state departments and agencies update their public-facing materials, including websites, signage, and maps, to reflect this name change. Additionally, any existing references to Delaware Bay in New Jersey laws, regulations, contracts, or official documents will now be interpreted as referring to the Bay of New Jersey. The bill also requires notification to relevant federal agencies to ensure that the new designation is recognized in federal documents and materials, emphasizing the bay's significance to New Jersey's coastal communities and maritime industries.

Furthermore, the bill includes various amendments to existing laws to enhance the management and protection of coastal wetlands and marine resources in New Jersey. It establishes a moratorium on the harvest of horseshoe crabs to protect shorebird populations and creates the "Oyster Resource Development Account" for managing funds from oyster landings in the Bay of New Jersey. The bill also modifies regulations related to menhaden and eel fishing, ensuring that licenses are issued appropriately and that fishing practices comply with the new name. Overall, the bill aims to promote economic growth while ensuring the preservation and management of natural resources in the region.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12:6A-1, 12:11A-4, 12:11A-6, 12:11A-8, 12:11A-9, 13:9A-2, 13:19-4, 23:2B-20, 23:3-12.2, 23:3-72, 23:3-73, 27:1A-76, 32:11E-1, 32:11E-1.1, 32:11E-1.3, 32:11E-1.4, 32:11E-1.5, 32:11E-1.6, 32:11E-1.7, 32:11E-1.8, 32:11E-1.9, 32:11E-1.11, 32:11E-6, 34:1B-142, 36:2-37, 36:2-38, 50:2-6.1, 50:3-16.1, 50:3-16.13, 50:3-16.3, 50:3-20.10, .A:9-51.5