EEZ Enforcement News Release

[DZ]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

PRESS CONTACT, TINA BERGER, 703.842.0740

Please find below the following release issued by NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement. Please direct inquires to Ally Rogers.

Atlantic Striped Bass Fishing in the EEZ: Restrictions Support Sustainability of Species

In an effort to ensure the healthy population of the striped bass in the Mid-Atlantic region, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) is raising awareness of the federal regulations governing striped bass in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and increasing targeted enforcement efforts to protect the species from illegal poaching activities.

“Right now, the striped bass are beginning to migrate south from the northern states,” said Lt. Wynn Carney, OLE supervisory enforcement officer. “The striped bass will follow the bait south near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and in spring they will begin making their way up our streams and rivers to lay eggs.”

According to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, overfishing and poor environmental conditions lead to the collapse of the Atlantic striped bass fishery in the 1980s.

In order to ensure the sustainability of the species, the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act, found in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 697.7, was promulgated. Thus, during the months of November through February, NOAA Office of Law Enforcement is joining state and federal marine law enforcement organizations in supporting a focused enforcement effort, targeting vessels retaining and fishing for striped bass in the EEZ. Marine law enforcement officers, including OLE and the U.S. Coast Guard, in the Mid-Atlantic will be ticketing fishermen who violate these regulations and who target striped bass within the EEZ.

“I am excited about the Mid-Atlantic States conducting a focused enforcement effort,” said Carney. “It’s significant that we’re working together toward a common goal.”

For maximum enforcement, officers will be conducting at-sea, aerial, and dock-side inspections.

For more information, call your local OLE field office or visit http://www.asmfc.org/species/atlantic-striped-bass.



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Tina Berger
Director of Communications
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200A-N
Arlington, VA 22201

703.842.0740
tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org
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[ivanputski]

The opportunity exists to set the tone with the recent eez bust. If no consequences are given at all, this recent press release will have loose dentures for teeth in terms of deterring future violations.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[tattoobob]

Well all it says is ticketing, I hope it helps

[bobber]

not sure if its gonna make any difference..... poachers gonna poach.

telling them theres gonna be enforcement just notifies them in advance to be more careful......(?)

[Rob Rockcrawler]

Poaches gunna poach is right, until the penalty makes it financially not worth the risk.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by Rob Rockcrawler

Poaches gunna poach is right, until the penalty makes it financially not worth the risk.

Most of the poachers that were caught in the eez last year off the coast of VA were recreational fishermen.

[Rob Rockcrawler]

Originally Posted by MakoMike

Most of the poachers that were caught in the eez last year off the coast of VA were recreational fishermen.

I dont know if it's possible to quote myself in a thread never tried. Got nothing to do with rec vs com, poaching is poaching. Make the penalties hurt or it will continue to happen.