Conservation Group Opposing Rockfish Change

OCEAN CITY — Despite the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announcement to increase the allowable harvest of striped bass, or rockfish, in state waters in 2014, a coalition of recreational anglers is calling for a voluntary “set-aside” to protect, rather than put at risk, the perceived population increase.

The DNR recently announced the allowable harvest limit for striped bass in Maryland waters would be increased by 14 percent in 2014, despite conflicting scientific data about the health of the species’ population. The decision was based on a 2011 stock assessment of stripers in state waters that appears to indicate the species is flourishing again after years of decline.

However, several advocacy groups, including the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland (CCA) have called for a review of the state’s decision to increase the harvest allowance and are pushing for a voluntary 14-percent “set aside” for 2014 until further data can be assessed. With projections by the updated 2013 stock assessment that striped bass spawning stock will decline, the CCA has asserted the future of striped bass fishing in Maryland may depend on immediate actions to conserve the stock. The CCA sent a letter to DNR Secretary Joseph Gill on Monday and reinforced its position.
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