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.
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