2020 Maryland Fishing Regulation Changes
 

https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/P...s/changes.aspx


Changes RE: Stripers are OPEN FOR COMMENT, so tell them what you think.

Also note the date for the hearing on the proposed changes:

"Hearing to Discuss This Proposal
A public hearing will be held January 9, 2019, at 6 p.m., at Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401. Interested persons are invited to attend and express their views. Anyone needing special accommodations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, or under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, should contact the Department of Natural Resources Office of Fair Practices at 410-260-8058 or at richard.allen@maryland.gov, at least 3 working days (72 hours) prior to the scheduled public hearing."

Wow.

No targeting of striped bass for 2 months?

Wow.

The two months is just the start. They are trying to do this early to gain favor at the ASMFC and it will be part of the 20% reduction they need to achieve.

In order to get some of the things they want, they need complete closures in March and April, no target in December after the season closes and likely a few week closure with no target in the summer. These will be pursued once the ASMFC approves or rejects some of the crazy options DNR submitted. Note that one of them includes different creels for charters who electronically report catches and private boats (whether they agree to electronic report or not)

If Maryland were just to adopt the ASMFC Preapproved 1 at 18", we would have no season changes to the regular season and no closures. It also would not violate the Maryland Freedom to Fish Act which requires the state to implement less severe measures before enacting closures on a fishery.

Will be a complete sh'*'t show if Omega is not severely punished for that 16K metric ton over the limit of menhaden quota for 2019.

I think they have until August of 2020 to come back within compliance :rolleyes:

Oh cool.....glad we're rewarding them with another season.:confused: