Amid Striped Bass Struggles, CBF Urges the Public to Weigh In on Rebuilding Plan

Marylanders can join Sept. 22 and 23 meetings and submit comments by Oct. 3

After years of alarming red flags for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is currently considering new harvest restrictions for the iconic fish. Maryland residents can learn more and voice their concerns at several upcoming in-person or virtual hearing options and submit comments to ASMFC by Oct. 3. 

The draft plan, known as Addendum III, is a response to the 2024 striped bass stock assessment and recommendations made by ASMFC’s Technical Committee. The analysis determined that, without additional restrictions for striped bass, it’s unlikely the species will rebuild to their target numbers by 2029. The addendum includes over 40 regulatory options for both recreational and commercial fisheries across the entire Atlantic Coast intended to promote striped bass recovery. 

The striped bass population is currently classified as overfished. ASMFC, which manages the striped bass fishery, has enacted numerous regulatory changes since 2019 to help the stock rebuild. However, rebuilding by the ten-year goal is in jeopardy. Fisheries regulators are seeking public input as they consider additional changes. 

Considering the Chesapeake Bay has historically produced 70% to 90% of the coast’s striped bass and has experienced six consecutive years of poor spawning success, there’s an immediate need for additional conservation. Striped bass are not only an iconic species in the Bay, but they support beloved and robust recreational and commercial fishing industries. 

In order for striped bass to meet at least a 50% probability of rebuilding by 2029, we must prioritize the species’ protection. That includes limiting harvest pressure in the Bay and along the coast via ASMFC action, as well as addressing other environmental factors affecting striped bass such as warming water temperatures from climate change, habitat loss, invasive blue catfish, and forage fish availability. 

CBF encourages members of the public to speak up for striped bass during this period. Key dates from ASMFC include: 

• Maryland in-person hearing: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 pm in Wye Mills at Chesapeake College 
• Maryland in-person hearing: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 pm in Annapolis at the Michael E. Busch Public Library 
• DC and Potomac River virtual hearing: Thursday, Sept. 25 at 6 pm 
• General Virtual Hearing: Monday, Sept. 29 at 6 pm 
• ASMFC public comment deadline: Friday, Oct. 3 

More details can be found here. 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden issued the following statement: 

“We’ve relied on half-measures to address striped bass red flags for long enough. All the science we have available is telling us to take action now or risk the long-term viability of this fishery. We must all do our part today if we want striped bass to sustain future generations.”