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John,
I think the herring that you are referring to are Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) as opposed to the River herring (Alosa pseudoharengus) that most of us like to take in the spring.
Indeed, these are the herring that are so important to our groundfish fisheries and I presume also to striped bass.
Actually the atlantic herring is managed by NEFMC and not state authorities. There is real concern that the Atlantic herring are being overfished (or soon will be). For example, the number of mid-water pair trawl vessels/permits and harvesting capacity have increased dramatically from 2 in 1999 to 12 vessels in 2000.
Not to mention that there is serious concern that many other midwater species are being caught as bycatch during these trawls for this herring (cod, haddock, seals, turtles, and yes stripers)
This is exactly what we were referring to at the last MSBA meeting. I will be writing a letter on behalf of the club if I ever get the time to do it
Later,
Mike Flaherty
MSBA Political Committee Chairman
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