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01/15/2019 11:00 PMLast week, we took a look at Addendum XXXII and how it will play into recreational management of the summer flounder (fluke) stock in 2019 and beyond. That same Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Board is also looking to set up a new process for management measures of state recreational black sea bass (Centropristis striata) under Addendum XXXII, as well.
The commission is currently facing a number of challenges with regard to recreational management for black sea bass. Among these are: the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) does not provide an appropriate management program for the current distribution of the resources and fisheries along the coast, harvest estimates used for management are highly variable (leading to regulatory instability), and the availability of recreational data is not concurrent with management timelines.
In practice, the recreational fisheries for black sea bass are managed on a “target quota” basis. A set portion of the total allowable landings (51 percent for black sea bass) is established as an annual Recreational Harvest Limit (RHL), and management measures are established that can be reasonably expected to constrain recreational harvest to this limit each year.
The Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) is the primary source of recreational catch and effort data used to evaluate and regulate the fisheries. MRIP catch and effort estimates are generated by two-month “wave” periods. By the time a full year of data is compiled, quality control checked, and preliminary estimates released, there is a time lapse that has created challenges in developing management programs.
As a result, the data used in developing those programs is not the most up-to-date and has been forcing management measures to be set through addenda. This not only resulted in delays and confusion, but more importantly, called for a mid-season change in regulations, because all of the data estimates (the last wave) were unavailable in time to set the season’s fishing regulations. When they were made available, it often required an adjustment in the proposed measures in order to constrain harvest to met the RHL. In addition, a draft addenda had to be put out in December of the previous year for public comment, before measures were finalized by the board in time for the new fishing season.
Timing is everything, as the adage goes, and it especially holds true in this set of circumstances. If we are to achieve a realistic FMP, then we must work with the most current data available. Scientific studies and the 2016 stock assessment have evidenced a northward shift in the black sea bass resource along the Atlantic coast. As a result of this and a recent successful appeal to last year’s initial regulations, management measures now will be set annually through a specification process.
First, the board and council will decide whether to adopt coast-wise measures or let the states implement measures to constrain harvest to the RHL. Second, the Technical Committee will continue to evaluate harvest estimates as they are released and then project how suites of possession limits, size limits, and seasons might impact recreational landings in each region: Massachusetts–New York, New Jersey, and Delaware–North Carolina. Third, states will collaborate to develop regional proposals for the current year’s recreational measures that include possession limits, size limits, and season length pursuant to the board-approved methodology. Fourth, the board will establish final measures following the release of Wave 6 estimates in February.
Once the approval process for regional measures is completed and signed off on, certification that those measures will achieve but not exceed the RHL will be made. Also of note, the board is not allocating shares of the RHL to states or regions through this change in process. As with summer flounder, expect any changes in the tightening or relaxing of regulations to be announced in early spring.
On the Water
Milder air temperatures gave way to more seasonal ones as an Arctic blast chilled the state. Long Island Sound waters swung between small craft conditions to gale force winds. Its temps dipped to the low 40s as the seas rocked, causing even the large head boats to remain at bay.
Nevertheless, fishers did find comfort fishing from the shores of main tidal rivers such as the Housatonic River, where the striped bass action continued to be impressive. While not very big, these schoolies provided consistent action, aggressively attacking soft plastics and top waters. Using 10- to 12-pound test class outfits is providing quite the sport for armchair quarterbacks looking to break up their day. Searun browns are making a run and taking small in-line spinners, while Atlantic salmon waters remain tough to fish.
As the January days go by, anglers are already beginning to show signs of cabin fever. Cracks are allowing boredom to slip through—and the results are telling. Instead of mounds of snow keeping them extra busy, rain storms and wind have been cooping them up. TV shows are wearing thin, and the traditional fishing, hunting, and boat show circuit is just getting underway.
Trout rivers remain high and fast, but are easing as the ground remains swollen due to a higher than normal water table. Those waterways open to fishing are seeing some rainbow and brown trout being caught mostly on swimmers, in-line spinners, and flies. Water hazards like branches and debris drawn to the water by the rising and dropping levels have created challenges. Surrounding lakes and local ponds waiting for some sort of semblance of ice remain an object of scrutiny as fishers seek to wet a line, but in most cases are relegated to waiting patiently.
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.
For all things fishy including permits, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
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