Fishery managers seek public input on striped bass catch cuts

EASTON, Md. — East Coast fishery managers are asking the public to weigh in this month on a proposal to cut striped bass harvests in 2026 in an effort to rebuild the prized species’ struggling population.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which represents state and federal fishery officials, voted in August to move forward with a plan requiring a 12% reduction in both commercial and recreational catch. If adopted later this year, the measure would trim the commercial quota and require states to either shorten striped bass seasons or adjust size limits for recreational anglers.

Striped bass stocks have been slow to recover after years of overfishing, with the problem worsened by poor reproduction in the Chesapeake Bay. The commission ordered harvest reductions five years ago with the goal of restoring the population by 2029. But higher-than-expected recreational harvest in 2024 — particularly along the Mid-Atlantic — raised concerns about meeting that deadline.

The new proposal, known as Draft Addendum III, outlines additional catch limits along the coast and in the Bay to keep recovery on track. Written comments will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 3 at comments@asmfc.org.

Public hearings are scheduled from Maine to Virginia, including several Bay-area sessions:

• Maryland: Sept. 22, 6–8 p.m., Chesapeake College, Wye Mills; Sept. 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Busch Annapolis Library, Annapolis (listen-only option available online).
• Virginia: Sept. 9, 6–8 p.m., Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Fort Monroe.
• Potomac River/D.C.: Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m., online webinar.
• General public webinar: Sept. 29, 6–8 p.m.

Striped bass, also known as rockfish, are one of the most popular sport fish on the East Coast and an important commercial species.

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Wayne Creed

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