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new derby rule
The Derby limit of 3 fish per badge is the maximum number of false albacore that you can bring to the weigh station during the entire Derby. It includes all false albacore brought to the weigh station, whether or not they meet the 25 inch minimum size. Therefore, when you bring a false albacore to the weigh station, it will count toward your individual limit regardless of its size. Once you have reached your Derby limit of 3 false albacore per badge, you are no longer permitted to bring a false albacore to the weigh station.
The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Committee is concerned about the number of false albacore landed by Derby participants in recent years. Since the taste of this species is not appealing, most of the landed fish are discarded. The Committee firmly believes that the Derby should not promote the needless killing of fish. Although the minimum size of 25 inches was established in 1998 to reduce landings, over 600 false albacore were weighed in 2004 and this number does not represent the actual number of fish killed, which was considerably higher.
Therefore, the Derby Committee has decided that a false albacore bag limit is necessary to further reduce the wasteful killing of these fish. An individual Derby limit of three (3) fish per badge and the 25 inch minimum size will be in effect for the 2005 Derby.
The Derby Committee appreciates the cooperation of all Derby participants in adhering to this rule change. It is only through your conservation efforts that future generations of fishermen will enjoy the 60 year Derby tradition. Thank you.
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Threaded Mode