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Cape Cod Times
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Protect Atlantic striped bass
By MATTHEW PATRICK
February 02, 2010 2:00 AM
In response to your editorial about striped bass (Jan. 25), I sponsored "An Act Relative to the Conservation of Atlantic Striped Bass" because I am concerned about the sustainability of the fishery and the impact its loss could have on the communities I represent.
The striped bass recreational fishery in Massachusetts is worth more than $1 billion to our economy vs. $24 million for the commercial fishery. That includes the primary and secondary economic impacts. Much of the secondary impacts of the recreational fishery are in the money fishermen spend in our coastal communities to buy equipment, food, lodging and other things.
If the striped bass fishery were to fail like it did from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, it would have a catastrophic impact on Cape Cod's economy as well as other coastal communities. I don't think we should risk it especially in these times.
The state Division of Marine Fisheries will say that the fishery is not at risk and the fishery is sustainable. What is important to remember is counting fish is, at best, an inexact science. It was under DMF's watch that the striped bass fishery collapsed, not that I blame them. I just use it as an example of how difficult it is to estimate fish stocks.
My key concern is that female spawning stocks are down for several years now and nearing the threshold thought safe by the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Council. While male striped bass seldom reach 30 inches in length, spawning females do reach that size. The limit that governs commercial fishermen is 34 inches, which means that most of the fish caught by commercial fishermen are usually large spawning females. This is not good for sustaining a fishery.
According to a peer-reviewed study that appeared in Science magazine on July 5, 2002, "management tools that preserve natural genetic variation are necessary for long-term sustainable yield."
I also think something should be done about the way we handle commercial permits. There were 3,599 commercial permits purchased in 2008. Only 1,207 permit holders reported catching any fish. One has to wonder if the 2,400 commercial permit holders, who do not report catching any striped bass, purchase the $65 permit just to avoid the two fish recreational limit per day. Commercial license holders can keep 30 fish per day.
In addition, all Atlantic Coast states, except Massachusetts, post advisory warnings on the striped bass for PCBs and mercury. These advisories go from no more than two meals per month to "avoid eating striped bass" in Rhode Island. Women and children are advised to not eat striped bass in several states.
However, I am not married to the particular language in my bill. I am open to amendments that will solve the problem or make it easier to accept. For example, I think the commercial people should be compensated for their losses.
It is estimated that the cost of such a program would be about $500,000 to replace the profit made by the commercial striped bass fishermen. This money could come out of the revenue generated by saltwater licenses or a stamp for striped bass on the license.
State Rep. Matthew Patrick represents the 3rd Barnstable District in the Massachusetts House.
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