Reflecting on a Year of Citizen Science: GotOne App x ASGA
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Feature Photo: The details of a migratory striped bass landed during its migration back to Maryland waters. Photo: Mike Querfeld
On December 11, 2024, a significant development in marine conservation unfolded as the Richmond Court delivered its highly anticipated ruling regarding the Maryland Charter Boat Association’s (MCBA) appeal against the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) regulations on striped bass. The court sided with ASMFC, affirming its decision to reduce the daily harvest limit of striped bass from two fish to one per trip for both recreational and charter fishing. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to restore and protect striped bass populations along the Atlantic coast.
Support for Conservation Efforts
The court’s decision underscores the dire state of striped bass populations, emphasizing the urgent need for robust conservation measures. The ASMFC’s goal to rebuild the stock by 2029 is now reinforced by this legal backing. The ruling highlighted the importance of sustainable fisheries management principles, firmly rooted in scientific assessments, that guide ASMFC’s regulations. The court acknowledged that the survival and prosperity of striped bass demand immediate action. Furthermore, the court affirmed ASMFC’s legally justified authority under its interstate compact to implement protective measures for migratory fish species. The ruling recognized the commission’s role as vital in addressing the depleted stock and poor recruitment rates that have plagued striped bass populations. This legal validation enhances ASMFC’s position in future regulatory decisions and strengthens its capability to enact necessary conservation strategies.
Implications for Stakeholders
While acknowledging the MCBA raised economic concerns regarding the potential impact on the charter fishing industry, the court concluded that the long-term ecological benefits of restoring striped bass stocks far outweigh any short-term financial setbacks. This decision sends a clear message: the health of our natural resources is paramount, and science-driven policies must take precedence over immediate economic interests. Furthermore, the ruling considered that the short-term economic implications of reductions are a significantly better option than the long-term economic impacts of a further depleted fishery. It emphasizes that successful fisheries management relies on collaborative efforts that prioritize ecological balance, ensuring sustainable access to these precious resources for future generations.
Broader Impact
The ruling’s significance extends beyond this case alone. It strengthens ASMFC’s authority to enact conservation measures and sets a critical precedent for future challenges to its regulations. This decision encourages a focus on sustainability, highlighting the necessity of balancing economic activities with environmental stewardship. As we move forward, the court’s ruling serves as a reminder that the long-term viability of fisheries and coastal ecosystems is tied to our collective responsibility to protect them.
Moving Forward
With the legal challenge behind us, the focus now turns to evaluating the impact of new harvest limits and figuring out the next steps for striped bass recovery efforts. Our community aims to foster a culture of conservation that not only protects striped bass, but also enhances the vitality of our coastal ecosystems and the positive economic impact they have. This Court ruling is not merely a legal victory for this specific regulatory action, but sets the precedent for future fisheries conservation efforts.
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Cover Photo: The beauty of a redfish tail captured by the Dorsal Outdoors crew. ASGA
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3 Responses
I believe that all commercial harvesting should also be put on hold, until this problem is fixed.
While it is always important to be on the side of stock improvement, it is interesting how little “science”, data, there is. Most states are limited in their funding of the marine sciences.
In New Jersey, the state I am most familiar with. There has been little if any increase in the Marine fisheries budget since 1985. In 1985, the state was responsible for only species. Last time I checked, the state was reporting on up to 35 species!
So, when a judge who probably doesn’t even fish, is presented with the “evidence” he/she will almost certainly side with the government.
I just saying we need more money poured into more and better research if we really want better fisheries.
There is more science on striped bass than just about any saltwater fish in the world today. My first suggestion is for New Jersey to have a saltwater fishing license. New Jersey kills more fish than just about any state out there. Black sea bass, summer flounder, striped bass etc… You have little to no enforcement for any of this because paying $10-$20 for a license is far too much for New Jersey anglers to contribute to the health of the resource. You also have a bonus tag that allows New Jersey to not only kill small fish but also kill two fish. The bonus tag is probably the least accountable or enforced striped bass harvest plan in the history of the species. Do you want anyone to believe that in the entire state in an entire year, only 1000 bonus tag fish were harvested? Interestingly enough, 9000 fish were recorded via the bonus tag in 2023 which would indicate that even New Jersey knows that their system is a sad joke. So, your “science” and “evidence” comments do not resonate with any of us. The science is the best we have. Striped bass are in serious trouble. Last time we checked, judges don’t have to fish to understand the laws that bind us in the fisheries world. The law is the law and this case was dead on arrival from day one.