Rhode Island update: This is all second hand from someone who attended. Meeting was held on Tuesday and attended by ASMFC RI state commissioners and a limited amount of representatives from RISAA, RI Party & Charter Association, and state fisheries biologists. Discussion revolved around CE (Conservation Equivalency). Although it was supposed to be a small meeting of just a few reps from each group the word got out to RIPCA and they “filled the room” with their members, not my words.
For hires are convinced 1 fish bag will severely impact their business and are pushing for a 2 fish bag. Majority of other rec groups are pushing to maintain a 1 fish bag. State Biologists seem to prefer 1 fish.
What will probably happen next: Rhode Island and other states will hold public hearings in January on the issue of CE. These meetings must be completed by the mid-winter (Feb 3-5) meeting of ASMFC where the issue of Conservation Equivalency will be discussed. These state hearings will obviously be very important. If you have an interest in the future of striped bass it is imperative that you show up at these meetings or write letters to your state commissioners.
A link to state commissioners:
http://www.asmfc.org/about-us/commissioners
Threaded Mode