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Atlantic Fishery Managers Hold Off on New Striped Bass Restrictions
Fishery managers along the East Coast have decided not to impose new catch reductions on Atlantic striped bass, also known as rockfish, despite continued concern over the species’ long-term health. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted on Oct. 29 to maintain current harvest limits for both recreational and commercial fisheries moving into 2026.
Striped bass were declared overfished in 2019, and the commission set a goal of rebuilding the stock by 2029. That plan included a series of reductions in recent years. A proposal discussed this fall would have required an additional 12 percent cut to harvest across the board. Supporters of the reduction argued it was necessary to keep the rebuilding plan on track. However, the commission voted against the new restrictions after preliminary data suggested that recreational harvest in early 2025 may have been lower than expected, which could ease pressure on the population.
Commercial fishermen and charter captains argued that further cuts would cause serious economic hardship. Many said their businesses have already suffered from previous rule changes limiting the number of fish customers can keep. Some charter operators reported declining bookings and even selling boats to stay afloat. Representatives for the commercial fleet noted they have faced quota reductions totaling more than 40 percent since 2012.
As the striped bass population struggles to rebuild, both commercial and recreational anglers wait to see what future regulations will bring
“We have already taken our share of cuts,” one industry representative said, warning that additional reductions could force some operations to close.
On the other side of the debate, conservation groups and some state officials expressed concern that delaying action could lead to more severe restrictions in the future. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation pointed to seven consecutive years of below-average striped bass spawning in Maryland waters, the primary nursery for the entire Atlantic stock. Without enough young fish entering the population, the foundation argues that long-term recovery is uncertain.
“We believed a reduction this year was necessary to support the stock for the future,” said Allison Colden, Maryland executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “Short-term economic challenges may be required to ensure long-term sustainability.”
A chart showing the juvenile (young-of-year) index in the Chesapeake Bay region over time. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports the 2024 index was 2.0 compared to a long-term average of 11.0. Chart: Maryland DNR
Environmental conditions and predation may also be affecting the population. Fishery scientists note that factors such as warmer water temperatures and competition from invasive species like blue catfish complicate recovery efforts. Managers described the process of rebuilding the stock as a long-term effort that requires balancing ecological and human needs.
The commission also gave Maryland more time to review a separate proposal to reopen limited catch-and-release fishing for striped bass during the spring spawning season. Supporters of the proposal say it would align Maryland’s regulations with neighboring regions and maintain public interest in conservation. Opponents worry that handling spawning fish, even when released, could add stress at a time when reproduction is already low.
For now, current rules remain in place while both sides continue to debate how best to conserve one of the Atlantic Coast’s most iconic fish.
The post Atlantic Fishery Managers Hold Off on New Striped Bass Restrictions appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...
Atlantic Fishery Managers Hold Off on New Striped Bass Restrictions
Fishery managers along the East Coast have decided not to impose new catch reductions on Atlantic striped bass, also known as rockfish, despite continued concern over the species’ long-term health. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted on Oct. 29 to maintain current harvest limits for both recreational and commercial fisheries moving into 2026.
Striped bass were declared overfished in 2019, and the commission set a goal of rebuilding the stock by 2029. That plan included a series of reductions in recent years. A proposal discussed this fall would have required an additional 12 percent cut to harvest across the board. Supporters of the reduction argued it was necessary to keep the rebuilding plan on track. However, the commission voted against the new restrictions after preliminary data suggested that recreational harvest in early 2025 may have been lower than expected, which could ease pressure on the population.
Commercial fishermen and charter captains argued that further cuts would cause serious economic hardship. Many said their businesses have already suffered from previous rule changes limiting the number of fish customers can keep. Some charter operators reported declining bookings and even selling boats to stay afloat. Representatives for the commercial fleet noted they have faced quota reductions totaling more than 40 percent since 2012.
As the striped bass population struggles to rebuild, both commercial and recreational anglers wait to see what future regulations will bring
“We have already taken our share of cuts,” one industry representative said, warning that additional reductions could force some operations to close.
On the other side of the debate, conservation groups and some state officials expressed concern that delaying action could lead to more severe restrictions in the future. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation pointed to seven consecutive years of below-average striped bass spawning in Maryland waters, the primary nursery for the entire Atlantic stock. Without enough young fish entering the population, the foundation argues that long-term recovery is uncertain.
“We believed a reduction this year was necessary to support the stock for the future,” said Allison Colden, Maryland executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “Short-term economic challenges may be required to ensure long-term sustainability.”
A chart showing the juvenile (young-of-year) index in the Chesapeake Bay region over time. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports the 2024 index was 2.0 compared to a long-term average of 11.0. Chart: Maryland DNR
Environmental conditions and predation may also be affecting the population. Fishery scientists note that factors such as warmer water temperatures and competition from invasive species like blue catfish complicate recovery efforts. Managers described the process of rebuilding the stock as a long-term effort that requires balancing ecological and human needs.
The commission also gave Maryland more time to review a separate proposal to reopen limited catch-and-release fishing for striped bass during the spring spawning season. Supporters of the proposal say it would align Maryland’s regulations with neighboring regions and maintain public interest in conservation. Opponents worry that handling spawning fish, even when released, could add stress at a time when reproduction is already low.
For now, current rules remain in place while both sides continue to debate how best to conserve one of the Atlantic Coast’s most iconic fish.
The post Atlantic Fishery Managers Hold Off on New Striped Bass Restrictions appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...