Maryland 2004 Summer Flounder Management Proposals Announced
Interested citizens encouraged to provide feedback
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland DNR Fisheries Service is seeking public feedback on four possible minimum size/creel limit options for the 2004 summer flounder recreational fishery.
The options have been developed in accordance with a quota based management system that conforms to Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission (ASMFC) requirements, and options are subject to approval by ASMFC.
A public meeting will be held during DNR's meeting of its Coastal Bays Fishery Advisory Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. in the Ocean Pines Branch of the Worcester County Public Library, 11107 Cathell Rd., Ocean Pines, Md, to discuss the proposed options. If interested members of the public cannot attend, comments will also be accepted via e-mail to Martin Gary, mlgary@dnr.state.md.us Comment and feedback will be accepted through Feb. 6, 2004.
The proposed options are listed below. We encourage you to review the options and provide us with feedback on your preference for the 2004 recreational summer flounder fishery in Maryland. The options presented below are listed in order from lowest to highest risk of exceeding Maryland's 2004 target harvest (131,000 fish).
The options under consideration are:
- 17-inch minimum size/8 fish per person per day creel/no closed season (status quo)
- 16.5-inch minimum size/8 fish per person per day creel limit/no closed season
- 16-inch minimum size/3 fish fish per person per day creel limit/no closed season
- 15.5-inch minimum size/2 fish per person per day creel limit/no closed season
Posted January 15, 2004