Governor Ehrlich Recognizes Work Done To Preserve Maryland’s Summer Flounder Fishery

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OCEAN CITY — Recognizing the pivotal role that partnerships play in preserving Maryland’s fisheries, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., today presented two citations to the Atlantic Coast Chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sport Fishermen’s Association (MSSA) for work done to preserve and promote the state’s summer flounder fishery. The Governor presented the citations during a boat trip around Ocean City’s Coastal Bays.

"Summer flounder are among the most popular and economically important sport fish in Maryland's Coastal Bays. The fishery supports bait and tackle stores, boat rental facilities and many other businesses,” said Governor Ehrlich. Without strong partnerships with organizations like MSSA, it would be impossible to gather the information necessary to maintain this thriving fishery.”

The first citation, given to the Atlantic Coast Chapter of MSSA, was accepted by Chapter President Henry Koellein and read: "For their leadership and commitment in the Summer Flounder Cooperative Angler Survey. For helping collect statistical data on over 15,000 flounder since 2002. Your members have greatly advanced Maryland DNR's [Department of Natural Resources] ability to manage this important fishery resource."

The second citation was given to MSSA member Lee Phillips (Ocean City) for his: "Tremendous dedication and effort in the 2004 DNR/MSSA joint flounder tagging pilot project. For personally tagging over 1,000 summer flounder, advancing our knowledge of the growth, movement and life history of this important fishery resource."

For more information about the Summer Flounder Cooperative Angler Survey, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/survey/sfsurveyintro.shtml.

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August 18, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov