In our hands

Below is a letter submitted as public comment on the latest proposed changes to the way striped bass are managed along the coast. As you can read, there weren’t a whole lot of options presented in the draft document released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (which you can find here). Recent years have been both good and bad for striped bass. The 2015 year class – the best in recent memory – has grown up and made for some great fishing opportunities. But, the stock has been overfished, a problem clearly exacerbated by the effects of pressure resulting from the increased effort during the Covid-19 pandemic. And the results from measurements used to gauge the future of the fishery – the young-of-the-year index and juvenile recruitment – have been dismal. (A great source for more info on this is the American Saltwater Guides Association.)

The goal of rebuilding the stock by 2029 sure feels like a long way off. More needs to be done and this is far from enough but it’s something. Let me know if you agree or disagree with my choices or rationale. Think about how your actions and voice can help. The future is in our hands.