Striped Bass EEZ

[Healthy Grin]

Contact: Connie Barclay FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(301) 713-2370 September 8, 2006

OFFSHORE MARINE WATERS TO REMAIN CLOSED TO STRIPED BASS FISHING

After carefully examining a proposal to re-open offshore marine waters in the Atlantic Ocean for striped bass fishing, NOAA has announced it will maintain the 1990 federal closure.

NOAA closed marine areas between three and 200 miles offshore to recreational and commercial striped bass fisheries to complement a rebuilding plan instituted in 1981 by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The rebuilding plan, supported by the federal closure, was successful and scientists declared striped bass populations fully rebuilt in 1995. In April 2003, the Commission asked NOAA to evaluate available scientific information to determine if the federal ban should be lifted.

After a 2005 stock assessment confirmed that the species is at a sustainable population size and not being over-harvested, NOAA issued an options paper in April 2006 outlining potential management strategies to allow striped bass fishing to resume in offshore waters. These strategies included a range of options, from re-opening the fisheries with minimum size and catch limits, to maintaining the federal ban.

NOAA’s proposal did not call for an increase in the annual catch quota for striped bass, established by the Commission to maintain the population size. Even though the annual cap on catches would have remained the same, regardless of whether the fish were caught in nearshore or offshore waters, the majority of those who commented believed that re-opening offshore fisheries would result in higher catches.

NOAA based the decision on a review of trends in the fishery and the species’ population. The data show that there has been an increase in fishing mortality of striped bass and a decrease in female spawners since the Commission requested a reevaluation of the federal ban. Although the stock as a whole is not being over-harvested, any increased fishing pressure would likely result in over fishing before NOAA and the Commission could respond with a new regulation. Since these issues would undermine the long-term conservation of Atlantic striped bass, the agency has determined that offshore waters should remain closed at this time.

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“The recovery of the striped bass stock is one of the most important fishery success stories of
our time, but it was a team effort,” said Dr. Bill Hogarth, NOAA Fisheries Service Director. “The Atlantic coastal states, Federal partners and the fishing community shared in the rebuilding process and now in maintaining a healthy, viable fishery. NOAA will continue to work with the Atlantic coastal states and user groups to reverse the current fishing mortality and female spawning stock trends. “

NOAA Fisheries Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation’s living marine resources and their habitat through scientific research, management and enforcement. NOAA Fisheries Service provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, and helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and recreational opportunities for the American public.

In 2007 NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, celebrates 200 years of science and service to the nation. Starting with the establishment of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1807 by Thomas Jefferson much of America's scientific heritage is rooted in NOAA. The agency is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 60 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.


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On the Web:
NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov
NOAA Fisheries: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov

[Capt. Brian Daley]

AND WHAT DID YOU THINK THEY WOULD DO ???????????????
NOTHING IT WONT HAPPEN
MAY BE YOU WORK FOR NMFS????????????????
I DONT KNOW

[flatbottom]

I think their data is flawed again. I fish for rock in the Chesapeake often and the size of large fish are few. The 35 cookie cutter was making the limits regularly. Then a big jump down to the smaller fish. There is not a breeding stock of large by any means. All states should of had the same size and limits. rather than 28" here or 32 there with the 18" in the area while 22 in there adjacent one. This organization NMFS should cover all the states and not let political pressure of a region influence there work. Its is not happening that way and that is why you have the rock and other fish just at a stable level. The way to shut a fishery down was a win for them, in the story that started this thread. Is that right? or is it wrong? This is not management, this is a waste of our tax dollars. All the fancy data and a shut down is the answer. Now the answer to HMS fish stocks will receive the same treatment XCEPT How will they limit the long lines. They won't, they can't, they do not have the balls to go head to head morally with the big corps. Money has bought their soles and sold their honor. You as a fishermen are to believe a circle hook or any other restrictions of tackle is the answer. Baloney man. We all here know the answer and so do they. This is a pat me on the back. I fixed it for you stupid fishermen ruling. Guess what NMFS? You are creating a generation of non believers in you and anyone running for office using your flawed data, will not get a vote. Politicians and officials running for a seat will distance themselves from your organization to win at the polls

[Healthy Grin]

Nope, don't work for them. I'm just a dentist in Virginia who likes to fish.