Controversial 12% reduction shelved; new tagging and measurement rules approved

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has decided against implementing a proposed 12% reduction in striped bass harvest, maintaining current recreational bag limits and commercial quotas for now.

The decision came after the Board reviewed over 4,000 sharply divided public comments and considered preliminary 2025 catch data showing lower-than-expected recreational landings through June. The Board cited severe potential economic impacts, low 2024 fishing mortality rates, and early signs of reduced 2025 catch as reasons for holding the line on current limits.

However, concerns remain about the health of the fishery. Seven consecutive years of poor recruitment in Chesapeake Bay have the Board worried about what happens after 2029, when these weak year-classes will dominate the spawning population. A new Work Group will be formed to tackle these long-term challenges.

New Rules Anglers Need to Know

The Commission did approve several important changes under Addendum III:

Measurement Standard (Effective January 1, 2027): All striped bass must now be measured using a straight-line method with the tail squeezed together. This standardized approach ensures consistent enforcement of slot limits up and down the coast.

Maryland Season Flexibility: Maryland may adjust the timing and structure of its Chesapeake Bay recreational seasons to simplify regulations and better align with angler preferences and release mortality data. The state must notify the Commission of any changes by December 31, 2025.

Commercial Tagging: States must now tag commercially caught stripers at the point of landing rather than point of sale, reducing opportunities for illegal harvest. States have until the end of 2028 to implement this change.

For complete details, visit asmfc.org/species/atlantic-striped-bass/ or contact Emilie Franke at efranke@asmfc.org.