Increase in Commercial Striped Bass Fishing Days for Massachusetts

[george]

Not that this is a huge deal, but it's another example of the mixed messages that constantly come from these politically influenced boards. When Mass requested some exceptions to the worm and spinner circle hook requirement, it didn't happen. But let's make sure that coms can take every single fish they're allowed.

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Future Rule Making on Commercial Striped Bass Management.​

The MFAC reviewed a DMF proposal to amend its commercial striped bass management measures for 2021. The proposed measures generally seek to increase access to the commercial quota. The first proposal is to adopt an earlier season start date. DMF has received a petition to open the season in late May and it was the preference of the MFAC’s Commercial Striped Bass Sub-Committee to open the season a week earlier on June 16. The second proposal is to increase the number of fishing days per week. The proposal has the season-opening with four consecutive open fishing days (Mondays – Thursday). Then, if the quota is unfilled, then the fishery would go to five consecutive open fishing days (Mondays – Fridays) on September 15 and seven open fishing days per week on October 1. Additionally, DMF will propose a November 15 season closure date if the quota is not taken beforehand. This will allow DMF to more promptly start its annual commercial striped bass tag accounting.

 

[Roccus7]

Not that this is a huge deal, but it's another example of the mixed messages that constantly come from these politically influenced boards. When Mass requested some exceptions to the worm and spinner circle hook requirement, it didn't happen. But let's make sure that coms can take every single fish they're allowed.

​

Future Rule Making on Commercial Striped Bass Management.​

The MFAC reviewed a DMF proposal to amend its commercial striped bass management measures for 2021. The proposed measures generally seek to increase access to the commercial quota. The first proposal is to adopt an earlier season start date. DMF has received a petition to open the season in late May and it was the preference of the MFAC’s Commercial Striped Bass Sub-Committee to open the season a week earlier on June 16. The second proposal is to increase the number of fishing days per week. The proposal has the season-opening with four consecutive open fishing days (Mondays – Thursday). Then, if the quota is unfilled, then the fishery would go to five consecutive open fishing days (Mondays – Fridays) on September 15 and seven open fishing days per week on October 1. Additionally, DMF will propose a November 15 season closure date if the quota is not taken beforehand. This will allow DMF to more promptly start its annual commercial striped bass tag accounting.

George, although I hate this too, we both are painfully aware part of the great enigma of commercial fisheries management is, "Well we said you can catch X fish and you haven't the last few years so, YES, please do whatever you need to do to fill your quota.

Also, this is an intra-Massachusetts issue, the MFAC is the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission so regrettably, out of state complaints will probably fall on deaf years. That being said I still sent in a letter since I'm "downstream" from MA and love that they haven't met their quota the past 2 years, and sent in a letter against this idea. However, this proposal is not unexpected, especially if they continue to miss filling their quota, ASMFC can turn around and give part of their quota to another state.

And people will claim that Fisheries Management is a true, disciplined science...

Speaking of "Theater of the Absurd", I'll be listening to ASMFC's striped bass session later today, probably throwing things at my computer in frustration...