The marine commission is letting the public speak out

4 hours ago

Ronnell Foreman,

MARYLAND. – Back in 2019, Atlantic striped-bass was declared overfished. Now Marine Commissions are looking at the rebuilding plan to fix stock.

Captain Robert Newberry, President of the Delmarva Fisheries Association, said this has been a problem for years. “It’s just cut, cut, cut, cut. It’s death by 1,000 cuts.”

Adding this is a political move, and a scientific one. “When you politicize a natural resource, 2 things happen: the demise of that resource, and the demise of those who make their living on that resource,” said Newberry.

To address overfishing and contribute to rebuilding stocks, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is imposing these restrictive measures. Emilie Franke – the Fishery Management Plan Coordinator for ASMFC, said what Draft Addendum III proposes.

“The board typically tends to aim around 50%, so the purpose of this addendum is to consider management measures to increase that probability of meeting the target.”

The ASMFC says short-term projections in the assessment estimate the probability of rebuilding by 2029 is less than 50%, currently at 30%.

Franke stated the initiative aims to prolong the lifespan of the striped-bass in the Atlantic.

“Based on those projections, in order to get to the 50% probability of meeting the biomass target by 2029, that would require a 12% reduction in what is being removed by the fisheries.”

For recreational fishery, season closures and/or size limit changes are on the table.

The group is having public hearings in many states across the East Coast, from Maine to Virginia. People’s comments and written statements will be each ready by Board members.

State Senator Johnny Mautz of Maryland District 37 attended a public hearing on September 22nd, and disagreed with potential legislation.

“A lot of it is voodoo science, and I hate to say that, but when you know the information isn’t reliable, that isn’t justification for saying we’re going to impose it, when you’re directly effecting livelihoods, and the local economy.”

October 3rd will be the last meeting, and last day to submit written comment. Senator Mautz tells WMDT, the impact could be devastating.

“These decisions, these regulations, these impositions are having a dramatic effect, and we can lose the entire industry if this continues where it’s going.”

For a chance to submit comment, click here.