Credit: NOAA Fisheries
A public hearing on proposed changes to the Atlantic striped bass management plan will take place in Bristol Township this week.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will hold a public hearing and comment session with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Delaware River Fishermen’s Association at Silver Lake Nature Center on Bath Road Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to explain the proposed regulation changes, answer questions, and gather public comments on various proposed length limits, bag limits, and gear (circle hook) options.
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The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board will meet in October to consider the coastwide changes for the 2020 fishing season and beyond. Pennsylvania will adjust their regulations based on the commission’s changes.
The Atlantic striped bass are found in coastal rivers, including the Delaware River, from Maine to Florida and are among the most popular recreational and commercial species to fish. However, an assessment done in May revealed the Atlantic striped bass were “overfished” and conservation measures were suggested.
“Reductions in striped bass fishing mortality will need to occur in 2020. As a result, in May 2019, the Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board of ASMFC initiated the development of an addendum to Amendment 6 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass to consider changes to coastwide commercial and recreational regulations to address overfishing. This Draft Addendum presents background information on the ASMFC’s management of Atlantic Striped Bass; the addendum process and timeline; and a statement of the problem. This document also provides management options for public consideration and comment,” according to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
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The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission was chartered by Congress in 1942 to manage coastal fisheries and is part of an compact of 13 states, including Pennsylvania.
Those unable to attend the hearing can submit comments before October 7, 2019 at 5 p.m. Comments may be submitted at the public hearing or by mail or email.
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Mail:
Max Appelman, FMP Coordinator
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
(Subject: Striped Bass Draft Addendum VI)
1050 North Highland Street Suite 200A-N
Arlington, VA 22201 Fax: (703) 842-0741
Email:
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comments@asmfc.org
(Subject: Striped Bass Draft Addendum VI)
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