You have until 5PM today to email the ASMFC your comments about the proposed striped bass regulations.
Send them to:
mwaine@asmfc.org
Subject should be: Draft Ammendment IV
Here is what I sent:
I am a Massachusetts resident and an avid salt water angler. I especially target Striped Bass on Cape Cod, and also throughout New England from Maine to Rhode Island. I am a past President of the Massachusetts Striped Bass Association. I consider myself a strong environmentalist and a conservationist and a steward for our natural resources.
I have fished regularly for striped bass for the last 15 years and have seen some peaks and valleys to my observed population. As such I am concerned by the current decreased stocks and especially your data showing the SSB to be declining.
Your data mirrors my observations of stock depletion. The stocks are not gone but they do seem under pressure. As such I support the following
1) Use the 2013 data for the F reference point (let's use the latest data we have).
2) Lets shoot to meet the target in 1 year, not 3 years (the stocks cannot afford to wait)
3) I vote for a 25% reduction in the mortality of the stock and as such agree with the proposal for 1 fish at 32 inches.
4) The commercial quota should be cut 25% just like the recreational mortality.
5) There should continue to be no quota sharing across states.
I have tried to keep my observations and recommendations brief but truly am concerned for the striped bass and prefer somewhat extreme action now versus waiting for more data or doing minor reductions.
Regards,
Bill Prodouz
BProdouz@gmail.com
617 694 0723
Pocasset, Ma 02559
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