Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to cancel the upcoming spring trophy season in the Chesapeake Bay.
Anglers still will be able to catch and keep two rockfish measuring between 20 and 28 inches long from May 16 through June 15. All catches must be reported to the VMRC.
Late last year, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission determined that the coastal striped bass population had been overfished and that overfishing was still taking place. The commission is expected to issue amendments to its regulations that will force states to cut back on their catches.
Virginia commissioners decided that recommendations from staff and members of the Finfish Management Advisory Committee to get ahead of changes were in order. The commission voted 7-0 to cancel the seasons.
The ASMFC amends its striped bass management plan later this year. Large scale changes are likely and states that participate in the fishery are currently are weighing options to limit the numbers.
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