Protecting Maryland's Striped Bass: New Emergency Regulations Announced

[hartattack]

Maybe they should also go after the bunker bandits too. But at least they've finally begun to address the situation..
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In a significant move to safeguard the spawning population of striped bass in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is rolling out emergency regulations. These measures are designed to work in tandem with broader actions set to be implemented coastwide in 2024 by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Regulation Details and Impact

The heart of these regulations is the extension of two existing periods during which targeting striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and on the Susquehanna Flats is prohibited. This extension, slated for 2024, will effectively cancel the Maryland Striped Bass Trophy season from May 1 to May 15 and the catch-and-keep fishery on the Flats from May 16 to May 31.

Response to Declining Spawning Success

This proactive step comes in response to five consecutive years of subpar spawning success for striped bass. The proposed regulations will be reviewed by the Maryland General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review. Depending on the committee's decision, a public hearing on these draft regulations might be convened.

Comprehensive Stock Assessment

Furthermore, a comprehensive striped bass stock assessment is scheduled for 2024 to assess the impact of past management strategies.

Environmental Factors and Fishing Mortality

Environmental factors such as warmer winters and reduced water flows have been identified as significant influences on the spawning success of striped bass. However, DNR officials are convinced of the urgent need to reduce fishing-related mortality, both from harvesting and catch-and-release practices, to protect the adult spawning stock.

The Chesapeake Bay: A Crucial Habitat

The Chesapeake Bay is not just a spawning ground but also a nursery area for a substantial portion of the Atlantic coast's striped bass population. In Maryland, the striped bass holds the dual honor of being the state fish and the most significant species for both commercial and recreational fishing.

Future of Fishing Regulations

Under the new emergency regulations, the period during which targeting striped bass is prohibited will extend through May 15. Post-May 15, fishing for striped bass will be subject to updated slot limits. The regulations also include a closure of the catch-and-keep fishery for striped bass in the Susquehanna Flats region from May 16 to May 31. DNR officials are calling for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders in the striped bass fishery to ensure the preservation of the spawning stock for future generations.

Encouraging Sustainable Fishing Practices

Anglers are encouraged to shift their focus to other species like blue catfish and northern snakehead. These invasive species, when harvested, contribute to a healthier ecosystem in the Bay.

Regulation Duration and Public Involvement

The proposed regulations, if approved, will be in effect for 180 days, impacting the spring segment of the 2024 fishing season. Any extension of these measures beyond this period would necessitate a rule change and a more comprehensive public comment process.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Yes about time they did something about the Bunker too. They are not only a forage fish, they are filter feeders and can clean up the water too...

Menhaden can filter huge amounts of algae, nitrogen, and plant detritus from our estuaries, and clean waters at an incredible rate. Some scientists have suggested that one adult menhaden can clean four to six gallons of water in a minute!

[Broad Bill]

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/menhaden

In 2016, 323 million lbs. of menhaden were harvested from the Chesapeake by Virginia alone, Maryland only harvested 6 million pounds from the bay. How one state can cause twelve other states to be denied a migratory species (stripers) and put the entire stock at risk is unconscionable. And I GUARANTEE everyone pockets in the decision-making chain in Virginia are being lined with millions of dollars for making that decision and Omega Protein, a Canadian company mind you, wreaks havoc on local US fisheries. We live in a world of political self servitude, corporate greed and as always we're all left to pay the tab. Imagine the impact removing 363 million pounds of filter feeding menhaden has on elevated pollution levels in the Chesapeake Bay and the impact that has on survival rates of striped bass and every other crustacean or fish utilizing the bay as a juvenile habitat. Mind boggling!

[june181901]

Virginia has said on multiple occasions that they will not yield on their position. They cite jobs, the economy et alia but we know they are on the 'payroll' of Omega.

[Gerry Zagorski]

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/menhaden

In 2016, 323 million lbs. of menhaden were harvested from the Chesapeake by Virginia alone, Maryland only harvested 6 million pounds from the bay. How one state can cause twelve other states to be denied a migratory species (stripers) and put the entire stock at risk is unconscionable. And I GUARANTEE everyone pockets in the decision-making chain in Virginia are being lined with millions of dollars for making that decision and Omega Protein, a Canadian company mind you, wreaks havoc on local US fisheries. We live in a world of political self servitude, corporate greed and as always we're all left to pay the tab. Imagine the impact removing 363 million pounds of filter feeding menhaden has on elevated pollution levels in the Chesapeake Bay and the impact that has on survival rates of striped bass and every other crustacean or fish utilizing the bay as a juvenile habitat. Mind boggling!

Exactly!

[AndyS]

I read somewhere the Blue Catfish were putting a hurting on that area.

[tautog]

I read somewhere the Blue Catfish were putting a hurting on that area.

Yes, blue cats are definitely an issue as is declining water quality. Seems like stripers are adjusting somewhat by spawning further north.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Looks like VA fishermen are taking on Omega Bunker Reduction Boats https://www.bayjournal.com/news/fisheries/anglers-environmentalists-push-for-partial-moratorium-on-chesapeake-menhaden-catch/article_a0481600-9e77-11ee-b0a6-3bb9cbba7ff5.html

[cool hand fluke]

Thanks for sharing the article on VA anglers taking on the bunker boats, Gerry. Fingers crossed.

[Broad Bill]

https://flylordsmag.com/omega-protein-spills-menhaden-haul-large-red-drum-wash-ashore-dead/

In addition to the harvest of menhaden, consider the consequences in the attached article on the impacts of by-catch in a very shallow body of water where Omega Protein uses 1,500 ft. long purse seine nets to harvest the bunker. I know I'm talking about a smaller body of water, but imagine what the impacts would be in Sandy Hook if the same type netting occurred on a year-round basis. And if you read the article, there are no observers on board these boats to monitor the impacts of by-catch mortality. Wonder why that is.

[Gerry Zagorski]

https://flylordsmag.com/omega-protein-spills-menhaden-haul-large-red-drum-wash-ashore-dead/

In addition to the harvest of menhaden, consider the consequences in the attached article on the impacts of by-catch in a very shallow body of water where Omega Protein uses 1,500 ft. long purse seine nets to harvest the bunker. I know I'm talking about a smaller body of water, but imagine what the impacts would be in Sandy Hook if the same type netting occurred on a year-round basis. And if you read the article, there are no observers on board these boats to monitor the impacts of by-catch mortality. Wonder why that is.

For sure and might I add that thankfully, NJ does not allow reduction boats within our state waters and we don't allow commercial fishing for Stripers either. Many might disagree but I think our state is ahead of the curve on a lot of these issues when we're allowed to control what happens in our own waters.

[hammer4reel]

For sure and might I add that thankfully, NJ does not allow reduction boats within our state waters and we don't allow commercial fishing for Stripers either. Many might disagree but I think our state is ahead of the curve on a lot of these issues when we're allowed to control what happens in our own waters.

Yep , they just claim it’s a bait boat .
Last two years there has been a reduction boat working between the rattle snake and Sandy hook .
Bait boats aren’t purse seaning to a mother ship .

Nj also doesn’t allow fish pumps to be used by a bait boat , for off loading .
Go to PP and watch how they unload their boats , as they use exactly that .
Bait pump filling totes on a tractor trailer as fast as you could ever see .

.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Yep , they just claim it’s a bait boat .
Last two years there has been a reduction boat working between the rattle snake and Sandy hook .
Bait boats aren’t purse seaning to a mother ship .

Nj also doesn’t allow fish pumps to be used by a bait boat , for off loading .
Go to PP and watch how they unload their boats , as they use exactly that .
Bait pump filling totes on a tractor trailer as fast as you could ever see .

.

I've seen them offloading in person too Dan, big tractor trailers in Point loaded with 30 or 40 exacto boxes pumping bunker and ice... I don't begrudge the commercial lobster guys north of us for the bait they need. Nothing is perfect but I think our state a least tries.

[Broad Bill]

For sure and might I add that thankfully, NJ does not allow reduction boats within our state waters and we don't allow commercial fishing for Stripers either. Many might disagree but I think our state is ahead of the curve on a lot of these issues when we're allowed to control what happens in our own waters.

Absolutely no doubt. All states want the quality striper fishing we have yet very few are willing to make the hard decisions and sacrifices for that to happen. Look at fluke this year, virtually everyone was upset with a slot this year and I agree the size slot is ridiculous and needs to be changed to protect the correct classes but the concept is sound. Look at the fluke fishing we had this year, at times off the charts and like nothing we've seen in many years. I'm not suggesting that's all because of a slot but look at how many breeders were released to perpetuate the stock. Now if NMFS can get their act together and provide protection to the stock during their offshore migration and spawn even if for just a month, maybe 9/15 thru 10/15, we'd have fishing every year like we did this past fall. Both commercials and recreational and party and charter business as well as all the small business dependent on these fisheries would win in a big way. Long-term strategies with sound fisheries management work, short-term strategies based on politics, economics and greed don't. Again have to make the sacrifices, both recreational and commercial, and there's no reason every fishery can't be like this falls run of stripers and fluke.

[Broad Bill]

I've seen them offloading in person too Dan, big tractor trailers in Point loaded with 30 or 40 exacto boxes pumping bunker and ice... I don't begrudge the commercial lobster guys north of us for the bait they need. Nothing is perfect but I think our state a least tries.

I don't begrudge any commercial fisherman working hard to make a living. But doing to the menhaden stocks what was done to the herring stocks isn't the answer either. Maybe it's time to consider different baiting options. Think about the scraps produced every day from fish processing stations up and down the coast from commercial offloads. Maybe that's a source for lobster guys as opposed to decimating another species which is arguably the most important forage fish on the east coast. Short term strategies always end in short term results and long term problems, always. If we want sustainability and these fisheries to be around for generations to come, commercially and recreationally, the powers to be better start making decisions based on that and not solely economics. Doesn't have to be one at the expense of the other.

[Capt Sal]

Yes about time they did something about the Bunker too. They are not only a forage fish, they are filter feeders and can clean up the water too...

Menhaden can filter huge amounts of algae, nitrogen, and plant detritus from our estuaries, and clean waters at an incredible rate. Some scientists have suggested that one adult menhaden can clean four to six gallons of water in a minute!

They should do something about the bunker but New Jersey still allows purse seiners in Raritan Bay? If if we made it illegal we could say look you Southern boys we did it?? HYPOCRACY!

[Capt Sal]

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/menhaden

In 2016, 323 million lbs. of menhaden were harvested from the Chesapeake by Virginia alone, Maryland only harvested 6 million pounds from the bay. How one state can cause twelve other states to be denied a migratory species (stripers) and put the entire stock at risk is unconscionable. And I GUARANTEE everyone pockets in the decision-making chain in Virginia are being lined with millions of dollars for making that decision and Omega Protein, a Canadian company mind you, wreaks havoc on local US fisheries. We live in a world of political self servitude, corporate greed and as always we're all left to pay the tab. Imagine the impact removing 363 million pounds of filter feeding menhaden has on elevated pollution levels in the Chesapeake Bay and the impact that has on survival rates of striped bass and every other crustacean or fish utilizing the bay as a juvenile habitat. Mind boggling! Maryland is a Democratic State. Maybe Jamey Raskin will fix it LMFAO!!!!