Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass Fishery Closure Aimed at Protecting Species

Strategic Insights -

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented a summer closure of the Chesapeake Bay striped bass fishery, prohibiting recreational angling from July 16 through July 31, to protect the resident stock of striped bass and decrease overall mortality in the bay. This measure, now in its sixth season, is necessary to prevent fish from dying after being caught and released during the hottest part of the summer. The closure is accompanied by the Striped Bass Summer Fishing Advisory Forecast, which issues "red flag" advisories when conditions warrant anglers to avoid fishing for striped bass after 10 a.m. due to excessive heat.

Key Takeaways:

  • The summer closure of the Chesapeake Bay striped bass fishery is a crucial measure to protect the resident stock of striped bass and decrease overall mortality in the bay, as fish are more vulnerable to dying after being caught and released when water and air temperatures rise.
  • The midseason closure, introduced in 2020, aims to protect fish during the weeks when weather conditions cause stress on striped bass and increase the chance of death from catch and release.
  • Recreational dead discards accounted for 21% of total fishing-related striped bass deaths in the Bay in the most recent stock assessment data published in 2022.
  • The Chesapeake Bay recreational striped bass fishery will reopen from August 1 through December 10, with a minimum length requirement of 19 inches and a maximum length of 24 inches.
  • Anglers are encouraged to pursue other fish, such as invasive blue catfish and snakehead, which have no bag or size limits and contribute to a healthier ecosystem in the Bay.
  • The DNR website provides tips and methods for fishing blue catfish.

Statistics:

  • 44% of striped bass mortality in 2022 was attributed to recreational harvest.
  • 31% of striped bass mortality in 2022 was attributed to commercial harvest.
  • 21% of striped bass mortality in 2022 was attributed to recreational dead discards.
  • 4% of striped bass mortality in 2022 was attributed to commercial dead discards.

Sources:

  • Maryland Department of Natural Resources