I took the time to email to the addresses that 179 provided (thanks) DID YOU?
It has come to my and many others attention that there is a large amount of poaching going on off the coast of NC and VA in Federal waters/Exclusive Economic Zone. There seems to be no enforcement of the fishing regulations while these people are removing hundreds if not thousands of pre-spawning female striped bass (rockfish) from the biomass. It has been noted by a number of individuals that these poachers are actually running a weekly pool if caught the pool goes to whomever is stopped and fined. This is disgusting and would like to voice my displeasure at these actions.
It is my and many others views that this fishery is in trouble for a number of reasons, including the daily take limits that are passed by some states in excess. This fishery collapsed some years ago and it's going to happen again if something isn't done about it.
Some things for you to look at:
Virginia Beach Fishing Center I would invite you to scroll through their daily catches..knowing that many people have said in recent weeks that there have been no fish located inshore..that the main biomass of fish is located offshore and has been proven by charts and radar plots.
http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...ed-waters.html
The slaughter of big stripers not only continues but its kicking in high gear !!! :: Surfcaster's Journal Blog
Can someone step up to the plate here and do something? This is going to have a major effect on the future of this fishery.. and it's a shame to sit idly by and let it happen. Your state as well as others has a very large stake in the future of these fish. Tourism, etc will all be affected. I plan to have a discussion with the American Sportfishing Association and the marine fisheries council people on this subject also, but urge you to stop this wanton recklessness.
Sincerely,
Scott R Bullock
Owner
Salty's Wooden Lures
36 Deanna Dr
Uxbridge Ma 01569
Also cut n pasted off the VA fishing site....
"*STRIPER REGULATIONS POLL*
Currently there is a possible proposition to allow an extension along the Virginia territorial water limit from 3 miles out (from the coast line) to 12 miles out (from the coast line) during Striper season. This would allow catches of Striped Bass to be legal within 12 miles of the coast line.
This has not been passed yet, however this information will be shown when the meeting is held to aide in their decision of extending or not extending the territorial limit.
The current Atlantic Ocean limit in Virginia is 2 Striper per person, each fish must be 28″ or over, and all fish must be caught within the 3 mile limit from the Virginia coast line. Please choose which option you agree with.
*NOTE*
This poll has nothing to do with increasing the size or the bag limit of Striper. This is only for extending the VA Territorial water limit from 3 miles to 12 miles.
PLEASE CHOOSE ONE:
Make the changes to the territorial limit. Change the regulations. 2 fish per person,
28″ +, and up to 12 miles off the beach.
Keep the regulations as they are.
No change is required. 2 fish per person,
28″ +, and within 3 miles off the beach."
Va Marine Resources contact:
John.Bull@mrc.virginia.gov
VMRC Contact Information