Commercial Striped Bass Changes on Horizon: Massachusetts Leads With Conservation

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is leading the way with a conservation-minded proposal aimed at safeguarding the largest spawning fish in our coastwide striped bass fishery. This action could not only protect critical cohorts of the stock but also mark a paradigm shift in management priorities along the coast. Now currently in the crosshairs of Massachusetts’ commercial striper fishery, our large, fecund female stripers can produce more and larger eggs, as well as spawn earlier than smaller fish. This morning at a Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission Business Meeting, DMF’s Nichola Meserve presented a plan to address the pressing need to rebuild the coastwide stock through conservation-focused action. This plan does so while still balancing the needs of the commercial fishing industry. Here’s what you need to know about the proposal and what it means for the future of striped bass management:

What Was Proposed?

DMF has proposed adopting a commercial slot limit that would cap the maximum harvest size somewhere between 38–44 inches, while potentially reducing the minimum size to as low as 32 inches. This marks a significant departure from the long-standing minimum size of 35 inches with no maximum, a frequent complaint of conservation-minded anglers who can’t fathom harvesting our largest, most productive fish.

The rationale behind this shift is focused on spawning production: larger females contribute disproportionately to the spawning stock biomass (SSB). By protecting these critical spawners, the DMF aims to enhance stock productivity and stability. This is even more critical while we face six straight years of abysmal spawning production. Studies show that larger females produce more robust eggs and larvae, improving survival rates. As we have talked about in past blogs and podcasts, striped bass spawn in waves, so regulations that help maintain a wide age structure in the population can increase the likelihood of spawning success amidst varying climate factors.

In line with the proposed slot limit, DMF has also recommended prohibiting gaffing in the commercial fishery. The use of gaffs is already a hot topic for a majority-release species like striped bass. It has been allowed in the previous years due to no maximum size limit (with no upper limit, there is less error for “eyeballing size” when sticking a fish next to the boat). With a slot limit implemented, this is no longer appropriate or feasible.

In the brief discussion of this proposal, DMF also mentioned the future implementation of the “pinched tail method” for measuring commercially harvested fish to standardize measurement across sectors. This change would ensure consistency and prevent discrepancies in determining whether fish on the upper end of the slot limit are appropriately judged for harvest. Fish that are “a tick” above the maximum size will be able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Why Is This Proposal Significant?

The Massachusetts commercial striped bass fishery currently harvests more large females than any other state’s commercial fishery. Protecting these spawners is crucial for rebuilding the stock, which has faced six consecutive years of below-average recruitment from the Chesapeake Bay—the primary nursery for striped bass. Poor recruitment has also been observed in other smaller spawning tributaries further up the coast.

The proposed measures reflect an understanding that rebuilding striped bass requires maintaining a wide age structure. Larger, older females produce larger and higher-quality eggs that yield larvae better equipped to survive environmental challenges such as changes in salinity, water temperature, and prey availability.

Next Steps

Mass DMF will present this proposal at an upcoming public hearing in late winter, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to provide public comment. As always, ASGA will keep our community informed on opportunities to utilize their voice. Our Association applauds Massachusetts for being a leader in striped bass conservation. This proposal reflects the growing recognition that we are teetering on the edge with this coastwide stock. Responsible management must prioritize the long-term health of the fishery over short-term gains. Protecting the largest spawners, reducing release mortality, and standardizing measurement methods are all measures that can make a meaningful difference in the effort to rebuild striped bass stocks. ASGA encourages all stakeholders to participate in the public comment process and support science-based management that ensures the future of this iconic fishery.

Stay tuned for updates from this issue in Massachusetts, along with potential moves that states are making for the 2025 season. ASGA will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the sustainability of striped bass and the communities that depend on them. This proposal from Massachusetts is what leadership in conservation looks like. We consistently say that Massachusetts DMF sets the bar for other state agencies, and this is simply another example.