Protecting Maryland's Striped Bass: New Emergency Regulations Announced

[george]

Protecting Maryland's Striped Bass: New Emergency Regulations Announced

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.

 

[Roccus7]

Truly an unexpected, but long overdue concession. Wonder what made MD "see the light"?

 

[george]

Truly an unexpected, but long overdue concession. Wonder what made MD "see the light"?

ASMFC

 

[hartattack]

Finally a first step for them -- how about going after the Bunker Bandits?!

 

[george]

Finally a first step for them -- how about going after the Bunker Bandits?!

Actually MD has removed the reduction boats from their part of the bay. Virgina the problem now and unfortunately that's is their state of operation.

 

[longcast]

Finally a first step for them -- how about going after the Bunker Bandits?!

Bass need forage.

 

[captmike28]

ASMFC

We know that the Chesapeake and Hudson stocks are the 2 main feeders of Striped Bass along the east coast. Obviously, Chesapeake stocks are in trouble, but I thought we have seen several good years coming out of the Hudson.

So now a coastal regulatory group (ASMFC) is pushing MD to enact emergency measures. Based upon your reporting in recent months, George, how long will it be before NY follows the same path?

Guess what fish is probably not coming to dinner for us in the spring? And we don't have blue catfish or northern snakehead to substitute!
I foresee a big decline in my spring charter bookings.

 

[george]

@captmike28 I saw this coming when we heard whispers of this last spring. There is zero chance that they will ever change the plan to reflect different spawning stocks. So while the Hudson is thriving under our management we pay for the poor conditions in the Chesapeake.

 

[Matts]

I've done it. It's lots of fun and easy as sh*t to feel like a hero. Three years ago I would have said "hands off," but now that I realize how extensive the fishing pressure is, I don't know if I'll keep targeting bass in Raritan Bay during the month of April.
Maybe this fishery or the entire pre-spawn fishery needs some sort of protection? Maybe not?
I just had my best season ever, so stocks in our area seem to be doing fine.

 

[george]

@Matts The Hudson spawning stock and YOY have been near record highs. Just as we see many other fish moving north, the bass are doing the same thing. Things are changing, there is now a targeted Tarpon fishery in the Chesapeake.

 

[Roccus7]

The Hudson spawning stock and YOY have been near record highs.

2023 Hudson YOY - Near record low, from Monday's DEC Addendum II meeting.

 

[george]

2023 Hudson YOY - Near record low, from Monday's DEC Addendum II meeting.

View attachment 72524

Even asmfc would throw that one out.

 

[captmike28]

2023 Hudson YOY - Near record low, from Monday's DEC Addendum II meeting.

View attachment 72524

Based upon this data and the recent change in MD it seems the "writing is on the wall" for us here in NY.
Maybe if we behave, they will allow us to play C&R with Stripers.

What a shame; aside from the business and recreational aspects, my wife and I really like eating a fresh Bass from time to time.

 

[Hunter704]

Any law will only go as far as they are enforce it, there will always be those individuals that will keep undersized, over slots and more then they should have in there possession.

 

[george]

Based upon this data and the recent change in MD it seems the "writing is on the wall" for us here in NY.
Maybe if we behave, they will allow us to play C&R with Stripers.

What a shame; aside from the business and recreational aspects, my wife and I really like eating a fresh Bass from time to time.

When examining the Hudson's years with low year-over-year (YoY) figures, a pattern of strong rebounds in subsequent years is evident. This was particularly noticeable following the years 2013 and 2019, where the next 4 to 5 years saw significant increases. Furthermore, relying solely on YoY metrics may not fully capture the state of our fishery. With 35 years of experience reporting on fish catches, I can confidently say that this year's season was unprecedented. Unfortunately, current approaches lack common sense and fail to adapt to changing conditions, such as warmer waters and the northward movement of fish. Additionally, our state's abundant menhaden population is not sufficiently considered in current planning.

 

[Flukemaster19]

When examining the Hudson's years with low year-over-year (YoY) figures, a pattern of strong rebounds in subsequent years is evident. This was particularly noticeable following the years 2013 and 2019, where the next 4 to 5 years saw significant increases. Furthermore, relying solely on YoY metrics may not fully capture the state of our fishery. With 35 years of experience reporting on fish catches, I can confidently say that this year's season was unprecedented. Unfortunately, current approaches lack common sense and fail to adapt to changing conditions, such as warmer waters and the northward movement of fish. Additionally, our state's abundant menhaden population is not sufficiently considered in current planning.

While its true one bad year does not spell doom, 3 of the last 5 years produced below average spawns.
The chesapeake spawns have almost all failed the last 5 years. A a dearth of smaller fish in the pipeline means we should protect the stock and keep a well stratified age population so when conditions are favorable they can capitalize.

I am someone who fishes the ny bight area and have experienced great fishing, but the chesapeake stock is in rough shape and should be supported

 

[Fisherman-never-dies]

Actually MD has removed the reduction boats from their part of the bay. Virgina the problem now and unfortunately that's is their state of operation.

But it tremendously affects MD (and, further all mid Atlantic states), because it's all VA both sides further down, it's 70 miles stretch in Delmarva Peninsula from the mouth of the bay. When I fished in Cape Charles over the summer, I routinely saw Omega Protein boats working in the lower bay and wiping out the menhaden population entering the bay, therefore directly affecting MD in its striper population and the health of entire bay. It's a very simple science, no menhaden no striper in Chesapeake Bay. O.P (its lobbying) owns the VA council and doing whatever it sees fitting for the profit. That is causing unimaginable harm to the striper population in MD and other Mid-Atlantic states. It is time to enact and pressure VA stop doing this.

 

[george]

But it tremendously affects MD (and, further all mid Atlantic states), because it's all VA both sides further down, it's 70 miles stretch in Delmarva Peninsula from the mouth of the bay. When I fished in Cape Charles over the summer, I routinely saw Omega Protein boats working in the lower bay and wiping out the menhaden population entering the bay, therefore directly affecting MD in its striper population and the health of entire bay. It's a very simple science, no menhaden no striper in Chesapeake Bay. O.P (its lobbying) owns the VA council and doing whatever it sees fitting for the profit. That is causing unimaginable harm to the striper population in MD and other Mid-Atlantic states. It is time to enact and pressure VA stop doing this.

You certainly would know better than me. I'm going by regulations that I assume to be enforced. The menhaden are moving all around the bay and the staggering number they're removing is forcing the fish to look elsewhere.

Thanks for joining and brining your perspective. It's appreciated.

 

[george]

While its true one bad year does not spell doom, 3 of the last 5 years produced below average spawns.
The chesapeake spawns have almost all failed the last 5 years. A a dearth of smaller fish in the pipeline means we should protect the stock and keep a well stratified age population so when conditions are favorable they can capitalize.

I am someone who fishes the ny bight area and have experienced great fishing, but the chesapeake stock is in rough shape and should be supported

The condition of the Chesapeake fish stock is concerning. As previously discussed, I'm skeptical about the benefits a fully restored Hudson fishery could bring to the Chesapeake fish. Such restoration is likely to boost the bass population in the Hudson, but it won't have any other significant effects. The Striped Bass found in the lower Hudson region during spring don't spawn in the Chesapeake; instead, they are feeding in preparation for their journey upriver. This pattern of behavior seems irrefutable and suggests that improvements in the Hudson fishery will not positively impact the Chesapeake stock.

 

[Flukemaster19]

The condition of the Chesapeake fish stock is concerning. As previously discussed, I'm skeptical about the benefits a fully restored Hudson fishery could bring to the Chesapeake fish. Such restoration is likely to boost the bass population in the Hudson, but it won't have any other significant effects. The Striped Bass found in the lower Hudson region during spring don't spawn in the Chesapeake; instead, they are feeding in preparation for their journey upriver. This pattern of behavior seems irrefutable and suggests that improvements in the Hudson fishery will not positively impact the Chesapeake stock.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the Chesapeake stock has a range up to Maine. I would venture a guess that a not insignificant proportion spends time in NY waters, especially in the Spring and Fall, as they migrate up and down the coast.

The imposition of stricter regulations coastwide would make sense, and despite your claim that the Hudson fish are in better shape and have a more robust population, we would still benefit down the line from an even more healthy stock.
1 @ 28-31" seems to be a fair resolution