On. Dec. 4th, I listened to a nearly hour webinar on the most recent striper proposals. Sounds like a lot of fun, right?
Presenting an overview of the latest ideas to rebuild the striper population was key staff of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commissions. Although the meeting did not introduce any eye-popping revelations, we were reminded that although striper stock is currently not experiencing overfishing, it does remain overfished.
Moreover, it is likely that, if regulations aren’t tweaked, fishing mortality will increase next year.
After a 40-minute presentation of the findings of the ASMFC’s Technical Committee, the remaining time was dedicated to a question and answer session with the public and stakeholders.
Regional conservation and sport fishing groups weighed in along with individuals from along the East Coast and the Bay region. The ASFMC staff did a thorough and professional job of distilling a complex set of scenarios and projections for the public.
One comment from staff that caught my ear: it was posited that perhaps some in the public may feel whether this process would be better served via the addendum process versus board action. And if folks think that, then they ought to include that sentiment in their public comments, which are due Dec. 10. Whatever your opinion, share it by emailing comments@asmfc.org.
The discussion should help set the table for next week’s meeting of the coastal striper board, which is charged with deciding what adjustments, if any, need to be made to the 2025 fishing regulations for the recreational and commercial sectors.
Whatever is decided, the cuts need to be real cuts, not just paper cuts. Reductions need to have real-world impacts, and that likely means equitably reductions in both recreational and commercial landings. “Risk” and “uncertainty” are the fundamental components that board members must grapple with and be decisive about come Dec. 16. Anything less ain’t gonna feed the bulldog.
There’s a fair bit to unpack from last evening’s conversation but here are some initial observations:
A 14% cut across all sectors is likely required to increase chances of building stock back above 50% and to meet the 2029 goal. Cuts approximately 10% or less are likely to result in unmeasurable (and arguably meaningless) impacts.
Protecting the 2015 and 2018 year-class of stripers is one of the keys to success.
Seasonal closures drew a lot of questions. Additional closures in the Chesapeake Bay are in the mix and are likely, especially during the height of summer.
Opinions broke along State lines. The haves and have nots, if you will. New Jersey, whose fishermen are enjoying outstanding striper fishing in recent years, was predictably vocal.
Getting a handle on angler efficacy and behavior (such as catch-and-release, number of trips) is likely to play a significant role not just next year but for years to come if the current rebuild effort is to be successful.
I’ll leave you with this: Something that’s been gnawing at me for almost a decade, and more specifically over the past five years with an annoying array of half-measures and tepid management actions: Last night’s discussion again drove home the stark reality of just how challenging this effort is. And even if it hits on all cylinders, that’s no guarantee we’ll see a resurgence of the fishery akin to what it was from the late 1990s to mid-2000s.
The Chesapeake Bay striper fishery has shifted significantly. There are too many variables today that weren't in play 20, 30 or 60 years ago. The past is the past. Things change.
So, if they haven’t already, Chesapeake anglers and watermen who are still lingering in the sunshine of their youth would do well to brace and adjust for the new reality. Adapt or become obsolete. Thus ends the lecture.