Early Susquehanna Flats Striped Bass Possession Fishery Not Approved for 2007

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Early Susquehanna Flats Striped Bass Possession Fishery Not Approved for 2007

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service announced that the Maryland proposal for a recreational striped bass fishery in the Susquehanna Flats from May 16 through May 31, 2007 was not approved. Proposed was an 18- to 26-inch size limit with a one fish creel limit per person, per day in the Susquehanna Flats area. The proposal was considered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Striped Bass Management Board.
The proposal was designed to create additional recreational fishing opportunities on smaller resident striped bass in the upper Bay with minimal impact on the migratory fish of 28 inches in length and over. The proposal was reviewed by the ASMFC Striped Bass Technical Committee and the Striped Bass Advisory Panel prior to consideration by the Board. The review raised concerns primarily about the timing of the process and questions about spawning activity and by-catch mortality. The vote was 6 in favor and 7 opposed with 3 jurisdictions not voting. The timing of the review process would have delayed the start of the special season if the Board had approved the proposal. Maryland will work with the Commission to address these concerns when the 2008 striped bass fishery proposal is submitted to ASMFC later this year.

May 18, 2007
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