2009 Summer Flounder Limits Announced
Emergency Regulations for Summer Flounder Approved

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Annapolis, Md. - The Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) Committee of the General Assembly approved emergency regulations for summer flounder size limits, as suggested by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service.

"DNR has worked closely with coastal fisheries management partners and Maryland anglers to implement size limits that best meet its conservation objective of limiting harvest while still providing quality fishing opportunities,” said DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “Harvest limits were put into place by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to rebuild the stock by 2013.”

In the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, anglers may keep one summer flounder per person per day, minimum of 16 1/2 inches in total length. In Maryland’s Coastal Bays and in the state waters of the Atlantic, anglers may keep three summer flounder per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 18 inches. The summer flounder fisheries will remain open through September 13, 2009.

Maryland is working with our management partners and the federal Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) to better estimate the summer flounder harvest in Maryland.

Anglers are reminded to become active participants in summer flounder management by participating in the summer flounder volunteer angler survey. To participate in the survey, please visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/survey/sfsurveyintro.html.

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April 23, 2009

Contact: Megan Rhoads 410-260-8001 mrhoads@dnr.state.md.us

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 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 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 12 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