[AndyS]

Dense concentrations of migrating striped bass began their way past southern New Jersey in early December. This year, the majority of the population took a more easterly route and traveled through the Exclusive Economic Zone waters where fishing for and possession of striped bass is prohibited. This did not stop many anglers from pursuing these fish unlawfully as Conservation Officers from District 8 apprehended a total of 21 recreational fishing vessels in possession of striped bass in EEZ waters during a two week period. As an example of the blatant disregard for the EEZ prohibition, one of these vessels was apprehended by CO'S Harp and Nicklow with one fish in possession and was apprehended later the same day by CO's Harp and Tomlin further inside EEZ waters with four fish in possession. Officers observed hundreds of recreational vessels illegally fishing for striped bass in EEZ waters as striped bass stayed well offshore. The cases were turned over to National Marine Fisheries Service for enforcement action. The fine for possession of striped bass in the EEZ is $500.00 per fish
Since the unlawful striped bass fishing effort in the EEZ was so rampant this year, District 8 Conservation Officers joined forces with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement and the US Coast Guard. A force of 5 patrol vessels from these various law enforcement entities conducted and focused EEZ striped bass patrol off southern New Jersey on December 11. Several additional apprehensions were made of recreational fishing vessels with striped bass in possession including charter boats.