Emergency Striped Bass Regulations Enacted

States have until July 2, 2023 to implement tighter striped bass bag limits. At the May 2, 2023 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission meeting an emergency measure that would prohibit the harvest of striped bass over 31 inches in length by recreational anglers was passed.

Overwhelming Passage of New Regulations

The motion was brought forth by Deputy Director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Dr. Michael Armstrong, and seconded by David V.D. Borden of Rhode Island. After the votes were tallied, the measure was approved 15 to 1, with the sole nay coming from representatives of New Jersey. The motion exempts the Chesapeake Bay trophy fishery.

The decision gives states less than a month to enact new regulations that would effectively make the striped bass slot size 28 to 31 inches, though the official motion states that they should be put in place “as soon as possible.” Once enacted, the regulation is to extend for 180 days. It may be extended for another 180 days if such an extension is approved at the October ASMFC meeting.

More to Come

How and when these new regulations will come about is still up in the air.

When reached for comment, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following statement: “DEC will continue to work cooperatively with Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to sustainably manage Atlantic striped bass. Emergency regulations to address the finding of the ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board will be reviewed and implemented in New York State to remain in compliance with ASMFC requirements of the Fishery Management Plan taken on May 2, 2023.”

We have also reached out to a number of other state agencies on the Northeast, and will update this article as more information becomes available.

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Source: https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/news/emergency-striped-bass-regulations-enacted/