Important Striper Meetings and Deadline

[Gerry Zagorski]

As you are probably aware, we could be looking at some significant reductions to the 2025 Striper regulations. The science and surveys are showing a decline of new young of year fish entering into the fishery as a result of poor spawning years so they want to put the brakes on. Not exactly sure how this is all going to play out but we should know a lot more about where this is heading this month, when these meetings take place.

If you are looking to familiarize yourself with what’s going with Stripers and the actions that are being considered you should listen into the 12/5 information webinar and you’ll see a link below to register for it.. This will help you make more informed public comments which are due by 12/10 via email. You can also read this post to get some opinions and more background info https://www.njfishing.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=124264

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Schedules Striped Bass Board Meeting to Consider Changes to 2025 Management Measures

Informational Webinar: December 5

Public Comment Deadline: December 10

Board Meeting: December 16

The meeting responds to the results of the 2024 Stock Assessment Update, which indicates stock abundance remains lower than the target, but that fishing mortality is within acceptable limits. Short-term projections suggest that the probability of reaching target abundance by 2029 ranges between 43% and 57%. Under the most recent amendments to the management plan, the Board can change management measures through Board action at a Board meeting, instead of developing an addendum with associated public hearings, if the stock assessment indicates a less than 50% probability of reaching target abundance by 2029.

The Board will meet December 16 to consider changing 2025 management measures. You can learn more during an informational webinar on December 5. See additional details below.

Board Meeting:

Monday, December 16 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Online and in-person at Westin Crystal City, 1800 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202.
The draft agenda, webinar information and the Technical Committee Report with management options for consideration will be posted HERE by December 3.

Informational Webinar:

Thursday, December 5 (6 p.m.)
Click HERE to register for Informational Webinar (Webinar ID 263-766-419).
Please see ASMFC News Release for more information, including call-in options.
Public comment will not be accepted during the Informational Webinar. Public comment will be accepted in writing or in person at the Board meeting as described below.
Public Comment:

Written comments may be submitted via email to comments@asmfc.org by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10.

Per the Commission’s public comment guidelines, the Board Chair will provide the opportunity for limited comment at the meeting. The Chair has the discretion in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda.
For more information, please contact Emilie Franke efranke@asmfc.org.

December 16 Meeting Information
ASMFC News Release
2024 Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update Report