The much-anticipated stock assessment.....

[JFigliuolo]

[MakoMike]

The 2011 Atlantic striped stock assessment update indicates that the resource remains in good condition with the female spawning stock biomass (SSB) estimate at 109% of the SSB target and 137% of the SSB threshold. The estimated fishing mortality rate (F) in 2010 was 0.23, below both the target (0.30) and threshold (0.34).

Full story here: Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update | BoatingLocal.com

[numbskull]

The pressure is off the ASMFC after this recent YOY bonanza.

Although the current female spawning stock is dropping fast, in several years a new influx will be coming and they can probably squeak by without hitting their mandatory cutback level.

Trouble is that the quality of the fishery is going to drop seriously, at least for larger (say 20lb) fish for about a decade.
For those that target larger fish, the fish we that we have now, are what we are going to be fishing on for the next 8-10 years. Still, since the current fish have now produced a saving year class, they are expendable as far as the ASMFC is concerned.

Sadly, current regulations have taken a tremendous toll on the good year classes of the early 2000's. Continuing those same regulations on the meager classes that are out there now seems destined to deplete them and leave us with a fishery composed primarily of small fish from this year's class (with a limited remnant of true trophy fish from the last good year class) during the later half of this decade.

Bottom line is that the quality of the recreational fishery is not a management goal of the ASMFC. This decision is an expected result once this year's YOY came back so promising.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by numbskull

The pressure is off the ASMFC after this recent YOY bonanza.

Although the current female spawning stock is dropping fast, in several years a new influx will be coming and they can probably squeak by without hitting their mandatory cutback level.

Trouble is that the quality of the fishery is going to drop seriously, at least for larger (say 20lb) fish for about a decade.
For those that target larger fish, the fish we that we have now, are what we are going to be fishing on for the next 8-10 years. Still, since the current fish have now produced a saving year class, they are expendable as far as the ASMFC is concerned.

Sadly, current regulations have taken a tremendous toll on the good year classes of the early 2000's. Continuing those same regulations on the meager classes that are out there now seems destined to deplete them and leave us with a fishery composed primarily of small fish from this year's class (with a limited remnant of true trophy fish from the last good year class) during the later half of this decade.

Bottom line is that the quality of the recreational fishery is not a management goal of the ASMFC. This decision is an expected result once this year's YOY came back so promising.

Deja vu. Once the 1982 and the remnants of other year classes produced the bumper crop 1989 YOY class, the moratorium ended, and shortly thereafter the 36" limit went bye-bye. The 82 class became expendable.

But, when you consider that ASMFC has this mandate to manage the fishery for "maximum sustainable yield", what option do they have? That mandate has to change, and it won't. That's the reality of it. There are bigger economic interests at stake than guys like us who many of the managers see as leisure-time dabblers and hobbyists.

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by Mike P

But, when you consider that ASMFC has this mandate to manage the fishery for "maximum sustainable yield", what option do they have? That mandate has to change, and it won't. That's the reality of it. There are bigger economic interests at stake than guys like us who many of the managers see as leisure-time dabblers and hobbyists.

Exactly. But at least we can enjoy seal watching so what do we have to complain about?

[UserRemoved]

Well said

Originally Posted by numbskull

The pressure is off the ASMFC after this recent YOY bonanza.

Although the current female spawning stock is dropping fast, in several years a new influx will be coming and they can probably squeak by without hitting their mandatory cutback level.

Trouble is that the quality of the fishery is going to drop seriously, at least for larger (say 20lb) fish for about a decade.
For those that target larger fish, the fish we that we have now, are what we are going to be fishing on for the next 8-10 years. Still, since the current fish have now produced a saving year class, they are expendable as far as the ASMFC is concerned.

Sadly, current regulations have taken a tremendous toll on the good year classes of the early 2000's. Continuing those same regulations on the meager classes that are out there now seems destined to deplete them and leave us with a fishery composed primarily of small fish from this year's class (with a limited remnant of true trophy fish from the last good year class) during the later half of this decade.

Bottom line is that the quality of the recreational fishery is not a management goal of the ASMFC. This decision is an expected result once this year's YOY came back so promising.

Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[MikeToole]

Here is how the state reps voted on doing nothing. As expected Augustine was the number one person pushing to stop any changes. All of the New England states except for Mass voted to move forward with at least some form of action. The report noted that Maine and NH have seen a sharp decline in the numbers and I would say the same is true for much of the North shore. I put in about 75 nights in NH and compared to 2005 my numbers were down by about 70%.

Motion to Substitute:
Substitute motion to postpone further action on this addendum until completion of the next
benchmark stock assessment.
Motion made by Mr. Augustine and seconded by Mr. Johnson. Motion carries (Roll call Vote: In favor –
MA, NY, NJ, MD, PRFC, VA, NC, USFWS, NMFS; Opposed – ME, NH, RI, CT, PA, DE).

[Sea Flat]

It is such a shame. Obviously I am happy about the YOY class for the future, but unless something is done we will keep going through these drastic peaks and valleys. And, we are definitely heading toward (or are already in) a valley. All could be avoided if both rec. and comm. fisherman were made to take a little less. I do not even think that it would have to be drastic.

[BigFish]

No one in the AMSFC owns a rod and reel....I betcha!!!

[BigFish]

The stock assessment I performed for the entire season past flies in the face of the conclusions reached by the ASMFC!!! The sky has fallen....just wondering when it will hit bottom???