ASMFC Sets Outline for Upcoming Striper Regs

At On The Water news that Striped Bass Managers Approve Conservative Management Options for 2024

The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved conservative management options for striped bass at their winter meeting in Arlington, Virginia. The options were part of Draft Addendum II, and the decision considered public input collected at public hearings in recent weeks.

For the ocean (non-Chesapeake Bay) fishery, the striped bass slot limit of 1 fish at 28 to 31 inches remains in place for all recreational anglers, whether fishing from shore, a private boat, or a charter (for-hire) vessel. After a vote to consider a mode split that would allow a larger slot for for-hire vessels failed 7-9, the measure (Option B) was approved 14 to 2, with only New York and New Jersey voting against. Both states’ representatives spoke in favor of an option that would allow a larger slot for for-hire vessels.

 

For the Chesapeake Bay fishery, managers approved the striped bass slot limit of 1 fish at 19 to 24 inches for all anglers. The measure (Option B2) was approved 14 to 2, with Maryland and New Jersey voting against. The Maryland representative spoke in favor of options that would allow a 2-fish bag for anglers fishing on for-hire vessels.

The Board also voted to reduce the commercial striped bass quota by 7%. This was a compromise reached after a 14% reduction was proposed as a number equal to the estimated reduction to the recreational fishery.

Last year, the regulations set a slot of 19-31 inches, so a reduction of the top of the slot to 24 inches is a considerable reduction. A 24 inch fish weighs quite a lot less than a 31 inch fish. On the other hand, 31 inch fish are hard to come by in summer anyway. As usual, the new restrictions are tighter on the recreational side than on the commercial side. They have better lobbyists. It's not clear from this if anglers on charters like Pete will be allowed 1 or 2 fish per trip. It certainly sounds like 1, which will be a considerable reduction. I wonder how badly it will hurt the charter boat industry. It's not like anyone is counting on charter trips to feed their family, but, at the same time, it certainly is a disincentive for a many anglers. 

The Board initiated Draft Addendum II in May 2023 in response to the low probability of meeting the 2029 stock rebuilding deadline if the unexpectedly high 2022 fishing mortality rate continues. The Draft Addendum built upon the 2023 emergency action by considering management measures intended to reduce fishing mortality to the target level in 2024. For the recreational fishery, the Draft Addendum proposed recreational bag and size limit options for the ocean and Chesapeake Bay regions, including options with different limits for the for-hire modes.

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