2009 Recreational Summer Flounder Fishery Closes

Annapolis, Md. – The recreational summer flounder fishery in Maryland state waters will close at 11:59 p.m. on September 13, 2009.

"DNR has worked closely with coastal fisheries management partners and Maryland anglers to rebuild the stock by 2013,” said DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “These efforts will ensure that Maryland can provide quality fishing opportunities to our anglers.”

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.

Maryland is working with its management partners and the federal Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) to better estimate the summer flounder harvest in Maryland.

Anglers are encouraged to participate in the summer flounder volunteer angler survey. To participate in the survey, please visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/survey/sfsurveyintro.html.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 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