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ASMFC Proposes 12% Cut in Striped Bass Harvest for 2026
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is conducting public hearings throughout September to gather input on proposed striped bass management changes that could affect fishing regulations from Maine to Virginia.
12 Percent Reduction Required
The Board initiated the Draft Addendum in response to stock projections indicating a low probability of meeting the 2029 stock rebuilding deadline. The proposed Draft Addendum III to Amendment 7 calls for management measures intended to reduce fishing removals by 12% with management measures to be implemented in 2026.
The urgency stems from concerning stock projections. The most recent stock projections estimate an increase in fishing mortality in 2025 due to the above average 2018 year-class entering the current recreational ocean slot limit. Adding to concerns is the lack of strong year-classes behind the 2018 year-class.
Atlantic striped bass spawning stock biomass and recruitment data through 2024 shows the strong 2018 year-class that is projected to increase fishing mortality in 2025 as these fish enter the recreational ocean slot limit, prompting the need for new management measures. Chart: ASMFC
What’s On the Table
For the recreational fishery, the Draft Addendum proposes season closures and/or size limit changes for the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay region, including options with different limits for the for-hire modes. For the commercial fishery, the Draft Addendum proposes a quota reduction option.
The addendum also addresses commercial tagging programs, a coastwide definition of total length for size limit regulations, and changes to the Maryland recreational season baseline.
Hearing Schedule Across Multiple States
Public hearings are taking place from Maine through Virginia, with several key dates already passed and upcoming:
Completed Hearings:
Upcoming Hearings:
If you are unable to participate in your state’s scheduled hearing, you are welcome to participate in any of the virtual or hybrid hearings. For a complete schedule and registration information, visit the ASMFC’s Atlantic Striped Bass page.
Comment Deadline Approaching
Public comment will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Friday, October 3, 2025 and should be mailed to Emilie Franke, FMP Coordinator, 1050 North Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201, emailed to comments@asmfc.org.
The stakes are high for both recreational and commercial fishermen. With implementation planned for 2026, these regulations could significantly alter how and when anglers can target one of the East Coast’s most popular gamefish. The commission’s goal remains clear: rebuild the striped bass stock to sustainable levels by 2029.
The post ASMFC Proposes 12% Cut in Striped Bass Harvest for 2026 appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...
ASMFC Proposes 12% Cut in Striped Bass Harvest for 2026
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is conducting public hearings throughout September to gather input on proposed striped bass management changes that could affect fishing regulations from Maine to Virginia.
12 Percent Reduction Required
The Board initiated the Draft Addendum in response to stock projections indicating a low probability of meeting the 2029 stock rebuilding deadline. The proposed Draft Addendum III to Amendment 7 calls for management measures intended to reduce fishing removals by 12% with management measures to be implemented in 2026.
The urgency stems from concerning stock projections. The most recent stock projections estimate an increase in fishing mortality in 2025 due to the above average 2018 year-class entering the current recreational ocean slot limit. Adding to concerns is the lack of strong year-classes behind the 2018 year-class.
Atlantic striped bass spawning stock biomass and recruitment data through 2024 shows the strong 2018 year-class that is projected to increase fishing mortality in 2025 as these fish enter the recreational ocean slot limit, prompting the need for new management measures. Chart: ASMFC
What’s On the Table
For the recreational fishery, the Draft Addendum proposes season closures and/or size limit changes for the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay region, including options with different limits for the for-hire modes. For the commercial fishery, the Draft Addendum proposes a quota reduction option.
The addendum also addresses commercial tagging programs, a coastwide definition of total length for size limit regulations, and changes to the Maryland recreational season baseline.
Hearing Schedule Across Multiple States
Public hearings are taking place from Maine through Virginia, with several key dates already passed and upcoming:
Completed Hearings:
- New Hampshire held their hearing on September 8 at the Urban Forestry Center in Portsmouth
Upcoming Hearings:
- New York is hosting a hybrid hearing on September 17
- Delaware will host their hearing on September 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Little Creek Hunter Education Center Training Center in Dover
If you are unable to participate in your state’s scheduled hearing, you are welcome to participate in any of the virtual or hybrid hearings. For a complete schedule and registration information, visit the ASMFC’s Atlantic Striped Bass page.
Comment Deadline Approaching
Public comment will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Friday, October 3, 2025 and should be mailed to Emilie Franke, FMP Coordinator, 1050 North Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201, emailed to comments@asmfc.org.
The stakes are high for both recreational and commercial fishermen. With implementation planned for 2026, these regulations could significantly alter how and when anglers can target one of the East Coast’s most popular gamefish. The commission’s goal remains clear: rebuild the striped bass stock to sustainable levels by 2029.
The post ASMFC Proposes 12% Cut in Striped Bass Harvest for 2026 appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...