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The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is seeking comments on proposed 2026 striped bass restrictions through Oct. 3.
Please use the American Sportfishing Association Action Alert to submit this pre-written comment or share your own:
“As a recreational angler, I urge you to maintain status quo seasons for striped bass and reject the proposed 12 percent reduction in fishing removals.”
Why We Need You: The proposed “no targeting” closures would prohibit anglers from fishing for striped bass altogether – even catch-and-release. This approach is unnecessary and lacks a sound scientific basis. Fishing mortality is already at or near a long-term low. The stock continues to be at a high level of abundance relative to historical trends and is not experiencing overfishing.
The justification for status quo is based on two key issues. First, the science is clear that environmental conditions are the main cause of low recruitment (young fish that survive and join the stock), not recreational fishing. And second, the data from the Marine Recreational Information Program – Fishing Effort Survey (MRIP-FES) is highly suspect and may overestimate the number of fishing trips by 30-40 percent. These issues cannot be addressed by further restricting anglers.
Recreational anglers have already contributed significantly to striped bass rebuilding efforts. New restrictions would punish the community that has done the most for the resource while harming small businesses that depend on the fishery. No-targeting closures would also create enforcement challenges when seasons and gear overlap with other species – which is extremely common.
The recreational boating industry generates $230 billion in annual economic impact, supporting more than 812,000 jobs and 36,000 businesses nationwide. Striped bass access is critical to sustaining that economic engine.
Please click below to submit your comment today!
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