Article by News Briefs
Retaining Striped Bass During Spawning Season Unlawful in Specified Delaware Waters
Delaware’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind anglers that during Delaware’s striped bass spawning season, which began April 1 and continues through midnight on May 31, it is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the Delaware River and its tributaries to the north of a line extending due east beginning at and including the South jetty at the mouth of the C&D Canal, or the C&D Canal or its tributaries. Anglers are required to practice catch and release fishing during this season with no harvest allowed in these areas.
In addition, regulations require anglers fishing with natural bait on any striped bass spawning ground during the closed spawning season to use a non-offset circle hook.
The Division of Fish & Wildlife recommends that circle hooks always be used when fishing natural baits because of their proven ability to reduce hook-and-release mortality for striped bass and other fish species. The circle hook’s design usually results in fish being hooked in the mouth, simplifying hook removal and reducing injury to the released fish.
NOAA Reviewing Atlantic HMS Bluefin Landings and Catch Reporting Methods
NOAA Fisheries is inviting comments related to a proposed collection of information on recreational catch and bluefin tuna landings. We are particularly interested in comments on:
•Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility.
•The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information.
•Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
•Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
All comments should be submitted by June 14, 2019. Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].
Virginia Marine Resources Commission takes action to protect striped bass.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to enact an emergency closure for the spring recreational striped bass trophy season.
A recent scientific assessment of striped bass shows the striped bass population has been below the sustainable threshold for the past 6 years and overfishing has been occurring since 2010.
“Virginia has always been a conservation leader, and this is a time to step up. The recent stock assessment shows that early action is needed to slow the decline and restore this fishery to sustainable levels,” Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner Steven G. Bowman said. “I am proud of the swift action taken by the Commission.”
“There has to be a starting point for conservation. Today’s action was the first step, and the Marine Resources Commission will continue to look at other measures for both recreational and commercial sectors to further reduce fishing mortality,” Commissioner Bowman said.
“However, we cannot act alone. We also need swift and lasting conservation measures enacted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC),” Commissioner Bowman said, “ASMFC should incentivize and encourage other states to follow Virginia’s lead and take action this fishing season.”
The emergency measure will eliminate the spring striped bass trophy season in the Bay from May 1 through June 15, the Coast from May 1 through May 15, and the Virginia tributaries to the Potomac River from April 29 through May 15.
Starting May 16 through June 15, fishermen will be able to catch and keep two striped bass measuring from 20 to 28 inches.
