As an avid surfcaster I have been deeply concerned at the state of the striped bass fishery and the lack of action to address the problem. I am encouraged that the ASMFC appears to be moving towards taking action to improve the situation. Indications are that changes may be coming in 2015. I think faster action is needed.
I started the 1@32 Pledge as an interim step to hopefully reduce the harvesting of striped bass. While
catch and release is always preferred, the Pledge is simple...in situations when you do not practice catch and release, you pledge to only take one striped bass per day at no less than 32". The 1@32 Pledge applies to fish caught from the surf or shore, on private boats, and party boats.
As we wait for the ASMFC to act, we are hopeful that the Pledge can help to rebuild the striped bass biomass, one angler at a time. In less than a week over 900 anglers have joined the Pledge on Facebook.
This pledge is not an end-all solution - it is only an interim step to help reduce the striped bass harvest. The letter penned by the NY Coalition for Recreational Fishing presents a much more comprehensive list of recommendations for attacking this problem - you can find that letter here:
http://www.nycrf.com/stripedbassreductionletter.pdf.
I invite you to consider taking the Pledge. If the Pledge is not appropriate for you, please consider other actions that you can take to help reduce the striped bass harvest and improve the striped bass fishery.
For Facebook users, signup for the Pledge here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/433685153423751/
For everyone else, signup for the Pledge at the ipetitions page here:
http://www.ipetitions/petition/132-pledge
We encourage you to share your Pledge with others via conversations, social media or other avenues. This grassroots movement will not only help striped bass, but will also serve as a “wake-up call” to the ASMFC that we are serious stewards of the resource.
Thanks.
Ross Squire
Threaded Mode