Quote:
Originally posted by Pete_G
Either we have a problem with the baitfish, or we have a problem with the stripers. Or both.
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You're right, Pete - and I've been thinking it's both for a while.
I just recently read an article that said fisheries scientists are starting to believe that there is a problem somewhere in the striped bass stocks.
Lack of
suitable forage I feel is first and foremost. Check out Omega Protein on Google sometime and think about it's impact on menhaden coast-wide.
Lack of proper nutrition will lead to health problems in
any organism.
And I also feel that ASMFC was waaaay too premature in declaring a full recovery and the size and take limits were not at all appropriate for the maintainance of a healthy population.
There's just been a lot of pressure on the stock since the "recovery" and I believe the result might just be becoming evident now.
You know, if it turns out that we're all relying on anecdotal information and our fears are unfounded...well...personally, I'd much rather err on the side of caution if a number of steps have to be taken to insure a sustainable striped bass fishery.
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