I also don't see how NY is much of a reduction over current size guidelines. It seems almost similar
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The MRAC already voted that as their recommendation.

Anyone go to any of the meetings the last couple days?

You are correct. The actual min size of the "trophy" is TBD by the scientists. But the ASMFC can still ignore the recommendations of the MRAC. It's going to come down to (someone/group within MRAC or DEC) demonstarting that doing just about what we did in past years will suddenly and magically produce a reduction in mortality. But with all of this petty two fish support from special interests my guess is 2 fish it will be. I hope not. Very sad and discouraging.
Incidentally, because I fish very actively in NY where we see a lot of urban guys as well as LI guys out there fishing plugs, bait and wait etc. I can tell you with almost 100% certainty that everyone thinks the 2014 regs say 2@28+. Most don't know or they just ignore the 1@28+ and another at 40+.

It looks like the ASMFC has put out the agenda for next months winter meeting. The agenda each states conservation equivalency plans outlined. IT seems like a lot of New England states are using MRIP landings data as the base for their recreational reduction calculations.

http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/...dBassBoard.pdf

Start reading on page 97.

"The data presented in Tables 1-3 clearly identifies that a 30% reduction will result from the private and
shore modes and a 28% reduction will result from the for-hire modes resulting in an average reduction of
29%.
 RI will explore the possibility of implementing mandatory trip-level reporting for the for-hire mode should
this proposal be approved."

So, all of the coastal states, except for Maine and NH. have a two fish option on the table.

I had to get the post count off 666 or all the fish just might end up going the way of the narwhal
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If I read the document right it looks like CT prefers 1&28 across the board nd is only looking at a two fish option for the for hire boats if RI gets it so that the two stares can share the same regulations.
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I believe VA and NC have 1 fish but they are not major considerations quantity wise, although they do get to vote.

A few words on the process.

States have already submitted to ASMFC all the options they are considering. In two weeks the ASMFC armed with ASMFC Technical Committee advice, the ASMFC will approve the options the states have submitted...or will not approve.

Then each state completes its individual process and set its regulations.

For example, MA submitted all of the options that went to public hearing. Each of the options were evaluated and IF they are approved at the ASMFC meeting, then a week later the MA Marine Fisheries Commission will hear a presentation from Director Diodati and give him a recommendation on what options to implement for MA.

fYI

I don,t know who if anyone is going ... But S/M >>RISSA .has modified their stance on THIS ..... [they feel it would be unfair not to allow the charter industry in RI to be allowed to take 2 bass per person ....REASONING [$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ] <<RISSA sponcers /// but verbly ... it would hurt RI because all the other states are going with 2 fish ///////meeting tomorrow as if it hasn,t already been decided :wid:

Bummer. I read the RISAA statement, and I don't agree with it for all the obvious reasons. The real fault rests with the ASMFC for allowing any exception to the one fish at 28" for anyone. Ironically, the guys going out on a charter probably don't even own a fishing rod, while the average rec guys spends plenty on their gear (if the economic issue is a factor in addition to striper conservation). RISAA's concession is that the captain and his mates not be allowed to keep their two bass. You're right Clammer; it's all about money, but in a myopic way.

very disappointing... but I cant say I'm surprised.

That's odd. I'm a member of RISAA and I've never been polled about this from them. All RISAA members that I know are opposed to two bass for charters, and lots of us are charter captains as well.

I probably won't renew my membership.

from the front page or RISSA's December newsletter

"At its November meeting, RISAA’s Legislative Committee
voted to ask RISAA Board of Directiors to send a letter to the
ASMFC and to Rhode Island’s commissioners to hold fast to
the "one-fish at 28 inches" rule and insist that any
“environmental equivalency” be equal to the same one-fish
reduction level of 31% and not at the 25% level that was proposed
when other options were presented to fishermen. "


from their November Newsletter

"The coastal recreational fishery harvest will be reduced by
implementing a one fish bag limit while keeping a 28”
size limit. Under Amendment 6, states may use conservation
equivalency to develop state-specific measures that are different
than a one fish bag limit and 28” size limit for their coastal
fisheries but still achieve a 25% reduction in harvest"

• Steve Medeiros, RISAA president, reported “While not a major
win for striped bass, the ASMFC Striped Bass Management
Board yesterday took steps in the right direction.”

today,,, RISAA: Realizing that the charter boats in all coastal states will be getting two fish for their customers, the RISAA board has determined it would be unfair to RI's charter boats to be restricted to one fish per customer. This would hurt the charter industry and the RI economy. But conserving striped bass is still important.

Steve Medeiros
per RISAA Board of Directors



quite an about face....

Roger , RISSA is made up of XXxx number of Fishing clubs ... etc , etc , etc . they have ONe highly paid president that has been being pounded ever since He came out against the 2 fish for charter captains ..who are the main sponcers of RISSA........ Do you REALLY think you have any say on what RISSA votes for ><><again its about the MONEY :hidin:


Today he said they changed their minds because all the others states are going with 2 fish for the charter industry ..the last I n heard & I could be wrong ... they were waiting of what RI does .....either way :does 2 .or 3 wrongs make a right ....................... they than say all the f #^&#^&#^&#^&#^& want .......... but 2 fish dead is more than one fish dead & it will help have a negative effect of the fishery >>.:bs::nailem::nailem:

Bummer... :doh:

Exemptions for special interest groups. :wave:

Wow

The reason I quit RISAA a number of years ago is because the "Club" (loosely called) is run by a bunch of buffoons who, either directly or indirectly, line their pockets at the expense of the fishing population and the uneducated recreational fishermen. There have been abuses levied by this group for the last 10 years.

Remember folks - this is tonight.

1 fish for Charter - same as Recreational.

We all need to err on the side of conservation.

Im not surprised at risaa flip flopping and supporting the for hire vessels at 2 fish per person per day meanwhile the brunt of any reductions being made will be shouldered by surfcasters. I wouldnt expect anything more from them, par for the course for them and Madeiros. Forget the longevity of the species, lets take the more money now option... Economics 101 a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow.
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Pathetic, hope you charter guys are happy with yourselves

I'll be talking with Steve Medeiros and will ask him why RISAA changed and if it was the entire membership or just a committee. They mentioned it would hurt the industry and be bad for RI economics but I have yet to see any data to corroborate this claim.

just the committee DZ

Where did he get the idea that "all" coastal states are allowing 2 fish for charters?
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Change their position the weekend before the public comment meeting....doesn't give their membership a lot of time to process the decision and comment on it.
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EXACTLY

The politics and outcome of this whole situation is absurd.

I vote for unlimited fish without limit. Put an end to the striped bass and the idiots who think there is nothing wrong with the fishery. Let them make there money...when they are done taking from the ocean they will then cry to uncle sam and we will need to support them through unemployment.

The best we can do is to put our efforts into reducing pressure on the fishery on a personal level. Dueling with the village idiot gets us nowhere.
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