The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved conservative management options for striped bass at their winter meeting in Arlington, Virginia. The options were part of Draft Addendum II, and the decision considered public input collected at public hearings in recent weeks.

For the ocean (non-Chesapeake Bay) fishery, the striped bass slot limit of 1 fish at 28 to 31 inches remains in place for all recreational anglers, whether fishing from shore, a private boat, or a charter (for-hire) vessel. The measure (Option B) was approved 14 to 2, with only New York and New Jersey voting against. Both states’ representatives spoke in favor an option that would allow a larger slot for for-hire vessels.

For the Chesapeake Bay fishery, managers approved the striped bass slot limit of 1 fish at 19 to 24 inches for all anglers. The measure (Option B2) was approved 14 to 2, with Maryland and New Jersey voting against. Maryland representative Mike Luisi spoke in favor of options that would allow a 2-fish bag for anglers fishing on for-hire vessels.

The Board initiated Draft Addendum II in May 2023 in response to the low probability of meeting the 2029 stock rebuilding deadline if the unexpectedly high 2022 fishing mortality rate continues. The Draft Addendum built upon the 2023 emergency action by considering management measures intended to reduce fishing mortality to the target level in 2024. For the recreational fishery, the Draft Addendum proposed recreational bag and size limit options for the ocean and Chesapeake Bay regions, including options with different limits for the for-hire modes.