The Maine Department of Marine Resources will be holding a webinar meeting on Thursday, May 11 at 5:00PM to discuss recent actions by the Striped Bass Management Board at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. This will include a discussion of the emergency action passed by the Striped Bass Board to implement a 31″ maximum size limit in the recreational fishery for 2023.
Striped Bass Board Meeting Overview
At their May 2 meeting, the Striped Bass Management Board (Board) reviewed updated stock projections which showed the probability of rebuilding the striped bass stock by 2029 had decreased from 97% to 15%. This was primarily due to a significant increase in recreational removals in 2022 as the 2015 year-class moved into the slot limit. Based on this information, the Board took emergency action for the 2023 fishing year to implement a 31″ maximum size limit in the recreational fishery where a higher (or no) maximize size limit currently exists, excluding the Chesapeake Bay trophy fishery. This action is intended to provide greater protection to the 2015 year-class as it moves through the ocean recreational fishery. The Board also initiated Draft Addendum II to reduce fishing mortality back to the target level in 2024. This addendum will be developed over the coming months and the Board will consider approving the document for public comment at their August meeting.
A press release on the Board meeting can be found HERE.
DMR Webinar on May 11
DMR will host a webinar on Thursday, May 11 at 5PM to discuss the updated stock projections, the actions taken by the Striped Bass Management Board, and upcoming changes to 2023 regulations based on this emergency action.
To join the webinar, click on the Teams meeting link below. You can also dial-in via your phone to participate with audio only. No pre-registration is required.
Microsoft Teams meeting
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Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 297 706 353 380 Passcode: YTsAma
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Or call in (audio only)
+1 207-209-4724,,306217227# Â United States, Portland
Phone Conference ID: 306 217 227#
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For questions about striped bass management, please contact Megan Ware at megan.ware@maine.gov or 207.446.0932
