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Stripers Forever quietly but effectively worked as hard as ever on Striped Bass conservation in 2022. What have we been doing:
Based on the recently accepted stock assessment update, the ASMFC has determined Striped Bass are “overfished”. Translated: the female spawning stock biomass (SSB) is below both the target and threshold. Our large breeders are in trouble as we come out of four straight years of poor recruitment in the Chesapeake. Now the ASMFC is considering an Addendum to Amendment 7 which would actually allow for states to transfer unused commercial quota. So if approved the ASMFC would be allowing more large breeders to be harvested at the same time they claim to be rebuilding the stock. Inconceivable, but this is what we are up against. (See the action alert below regarding commercial quota transfers, we need your comments sent in now!) We cannot relax – now or ever!
It is not all gloom and doom, however. The 2022 season had shining moments up and down the coast where we saw some strong forage species abundance (especially a variety of menhaden year classes) and some epic surface feeds. What is left of the strong 2011 and 2015 year classes are all now 30 inches or bigger – fantastic fish to catch – and if you found them, you probably enjoyed some great action. But those are the very fish that now need the greatest protection. So as Stripers Forever monitored the recent ASMFC meetings, we were astounded to learn that the management board was considering doing just the opposite.
Hold on – what about the 10-year rebuilding plan adopted in 2021? We were stunned at the reversal. Now is not the time to slow down or for the ASMFC to break the promise it made to anglers to rebuild and protect the fish we love.
More than ever, we need your help and support to remain a strong voice for Striped Bass conservation and gamefish status. You stepped up in a big way in the past 2 years to speak up and advocate to the ASMFC and your state fisheries managers for a conservative management approach. Your voice was heard and we thank you for that!
Our fundraising has largely been through events like the Cheeky Fishing Tournament, a grant from AFFTA and other ongoing industry support. Now we need our members and friends to help as we reach the end of 2022.
Please consider making an online donation using the button below or by sending a check made out to Stripers Forever via mail.
Stripers Forever
C/O David Rimmer 57 Boston Rd Newbury, MA 01951
As always thank you for your continued support!
Stripers Forever is a not for profit corporation in the State of Maine. We do not have 501(c)3 status and gifts to SF may not be tax deductible. Donations may be made via the DONATE NOW button above or sent via check made out to “Stripers Forever” and mailed to 57 Boston Road Newbury, MA 01951.
