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...FYI, the striped bass crash at the turn of the 19th century..coincided with a serious menhaden fishery up & down the Atlantic coast. The advent of large steam power fishing vessels with large, effective, purse seines, were employed in large numbers. On shore menhaden processing facilities were tucked into just about every cove-some large..many medium and small. Perhaps they contributed to the bass population reductions during this time period.
Yes, the multiple use of our natural resources is the honorable use of our natural resources. For food, and for recreation. The striped bass fishery of today supports both commercial and recreational activities. Of all commercial gear groupings, Hook and line commercial fisheries has the lease amount of negative inpact on the echo system. So called "save the fish organizations" directing their resource grab at this group of commercial bassers.....while ignoring the huge catches of the rec/charter group is very short sided-and very selfish.
Again, with coastal mangement plans in place for maintaining the striped bass in viable numbers both for Recreational/charter and commercial interest, the striped bass IS NOT in danger.
Tackle & boating manufacturers still have a devoted striped bass customer base to procure their wares. Fishing publications have a large readership. Fish processing, wholesaling, & retail have an excellent food product made available to the fish eating consumer. All creating and fostering respective economic engines that provide jobs for us.
Multiple use is the only fair and equatible means to share the striped bass natural resource. And, there is nothing wrong with sharing.............
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