Today's ASFMC Striper Meeting

[Roccus7]

Damn, I hate being correct, but if you want a one picture summary of what's going on today...

They're going for an addendum and here's what their discussing, asking the TC to give them multiple combinations and permutations to get the right F reduction. These will be going out for public comments in August. Stall tactics at it's finest, as time passes we'll be locked into a moratorium because nothing got accomplished when it would help...

This is the Strawman they're working off of right now...

 

[Roccus7]

OK, here's what was approved with a proposed timeline of presenting proposals from Technical Committee at Summer Meeting, public comments in the fall and implementation for 2020.

 

[ag3]

So a slot of 28”-40”?
And Circle hooks for all bait fishing?

And I guess a shorter season?

 

[Roccus7]

Oh, BTW - Letter will be sent to NMFS opposing opening fishing in Block Island Sound EEZ Transit Zone...

 

[Roccus7]

So a slot of 28”-40”?
And Circle hooks for all bait fishing?

And I guess a shorter season?

- Slot TBD by the Technical Committee, but top end could be less than 40

- Circle for all bait, but that's going to be problematic on tube-n-worm unless they give that a bye, like ME does

- Seasons would be regulated by States.

 

[243 Everglades]

I listened to some of the webinar today. A ton of science that honestly was over my head but it was interesting to hear the years they use for data points, etc.

So there will be further comment and discussion later this summer, a plan made in the fall and action for next year...that right?

 

[george]

Wow! Never expected that. I guess I can forget about that 50-pounder

Thanks for the update!

 

[george]

Oh, BTW - Letter will be sent to NMFS opposing opening fishing in Block Island Sound EEZ Transit Zone...

That doesn't save a fish. It's BS in my book.

 

[george]

Any mention of mico?

 

[ag3]

That doesn't save a fish. It's BS in my book.

Doesn’t that keep every Montauk boat out of Block since they won’t be able to transport them through federal waters?

 

[Roccus7]

I listened to some of the webinar today. A ton of science that honestly was over my head but it was interesting to hear the years they use for data points, etc.

So there will be further comment and discussion later this summer, a plan made in the fall and action for next year...that right?

You got it, unless the waffling starts...

That doesn't save a fish. It's BS in my book.

I agree, but I think this is more of a posturing thing. How can they approve something that puts more pressure on stripers when they're talking about drastic measures to cut back on the mortality? All for show...

Any mention of mico?

I only listened to the session after lunch and there was no mention.

 

[george]

You got it, unless the waffling starts...

I agree, but I think this is more of a posturing thing. How can they approve something that puts more pressure on stripers when they're talking about drastic measures to cut back on the mortality? All for show...

But the point is it doesn't put pressure on anything. In fact, the argument can be made that it increases pressure in other already heavily fished areas.

 

[Roccus7]

I keep forgetting to recount what I found to be the most heartening comment from the meeting today. One council member, whose name I didn't get, did comment that future meetings should start thinking about ecosystem-based fishery management. He reminded his colleagues that prior changes to striped bass management that made fishing for them less desirable for most anglers, turned anglers to increase fishing for other species. This additional fishing pressure had a negative, unforeseen impact on other species. The person suggested being more aware of potential impacts on other fish when changes are made to bass and should be considered when discussions start for a new amendment.

 

[george]

While the drumbeat is getting louder, I've heard that ecosystem thing for years now. It is needed, but think about how tough it is now to get the correct data.

I am still in shock with the over 40-inchers. Do we know how many that are taken a year? Even more important, do we know how many there are?

That's a pretty huge bass. I have so many questions on this entire outcome. I hope to speak with some tech reps today.

Thanks,
George

 

[Roccus7]

While the drumbeat is getting louder, I've heard that ecosystem thing for years now. It is needed, but think about how tough it is now to get the correct data.

I am still in shock with the over 40-inchers. Do we know how many that are taken a year? Even more important, do we know how many there are?

That's a pretty huge bass. I have so many questions on this entire outcome. I hope to speak with some tech reps today.

Thanks,
George

Can't comment on ≥ 40" impact except for me in Maine which is a goose egg, . I'm tickled pink on this initiative, and not from the "well it don't impact me at all", but because years ago I was told that there would be no dead fish collecting dust on the walls of our house. This negated my 40 lb "wall fish" goal in life. Sure I'd still love to catch a cow, but since they don't taste as nice as their great granddaughters, and I can't keep one for home decor, it's best I take a photo and send her off on her way...

And yes, US Fishery managers have little knowledge and ZERO experience on Ecosystem Management. It's a great idea and needs to be considered, but their track record on single species management doesn't bode well for a more complex set of management challenges...

 

[243 Everglades]

I think we need to get down to some basic regulations here, something that is universal or close to it. I realize this is stating the obvious but we have a lot of different rules in play when these fish are literally swimming in the same water, just off a different state. Why should MD be different from NJ? Why NY different than CT, RI, or MA?

Find a size and catch limit that keeps the fishery growing, apply it over the entire area and go from there. If its one fish from 25-35 so be it- if we all played by the same rules we would be better off.

But then you have to enforce it which is a whole other issue. My area (South Shore of LI) you have very little DEC presence. You might see them a few times a year from April to November. There are so many people breaking the rules knowingly or unknowingly but nothing being done about it. Last fall we had guys jigging for bass 10 miles out- all day and for weeks on end, hundreds of boats. Private boats, headboats, etc.

 

[george]

And yes, US Fishery managers have little knowledge and ZERO experience on Ecosystem Management. It's a great idea and needs to be considered, but their track record on single species management doesn't bode well for a more complex set of management challenges...

I couldn't agree more.