Striped Bass

Atlantic striped bass are one of the most important recreational fisheries along the U.S. east coast. According to a 2016 report, this fishery contributes more than $13 billion to the economy and supports more than 100,000 jobs. The popular gamefish has a long science and management history under the authority of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). The stock is currently overfished, but based on the 2022 stock assessment results, it is not experiencing overfishing. In 2022, ASMFC approved Amendment 7 to the striped bass fishery management plan which contains several conservative management triggers to keep and maintain population rebuilding. While the Atlantic striped bass population is on track to meet rebuilding targets by 2029, fisheries managers have continued to propose restrictions for recreational anglers that would cause significant harm to the industry, small businesses and coastal communities.

ASA recognizes that a healthy striped bass population is critical to the sportfishing industry and drives a significant amount of angler engagement and participation along the Atlantic coast. ASA supports balancing responsible management with regulatory stability and reasonable access in the fishery.

Since the passage of Amendment 7, ASA has invested time into communications efforts, advocacy and education efforts to protect the interests of the sportfishing industry and recreational fishing community.

Sep 2025 – ASMFC proposed an additional 12% reduction for recreational striped bass harvest, likely to take the form of additional no targeting closures. ASA opposed these unnecessary restrictions and urged the Commission to adopt status quo. The reductions lack scientific justification and are based on imprecise data.

Dec 2024 – ASA opposed further reductions on striped bass for 2025 because fishing mortality is at a 30 year low and remains below the fishing mortality target needed for rebuilding.

Nov 2023 – ASA developed a guide to ASMFC’s proposed Striped Bass Management Plan changes to help anglers engage in the public hearings process to support continuation of the restrictive slot limit established through emergency action in 2023.

May 2023 – ASA, with partners (CCA, CSF, TRCP), issued a joint press release supporting ASMFC’s emergency action to reduce striped bass mortality and aid rebuilding.

Dec 2022 – Keep America Fishing (KAF) sent a supporter action alert opposing ASMFC’s proposed management change allowing voluntary transfers of unused commercial quota.

Jul 2022 – Mike Waine spoke on a CCA Maryland panel discussion (part of Bay Past, Present, Future series) about the current status of striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay.

Feb 11, 2022 – ASA released an episode of The Politics of Fishing Podcast featuring Mike Waine, covering striped bass biology, decline, and management actions.

Mar 2021 – Mike Waine participated in a Chesapeake Bay Foundation panel on the next phase of striped bass management (Chesapeake and coastal).

2021 – ASA partnered with On the Water and used the KAF portal to create circle hook education and outreach materials, including instructional videos, following the new conservation requirement.

2020 – ASA supported conservation-based harvest reductions and co-signed a letter to the Maryland DNR raising concerns about striped bass regulations and lack of public input.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is considering new restrictions on striped bass for 2026, proposing a 12% reduction for the recreational sector, which would require additional seasonal closures to achieve the reduction. The closures even consider “no targeting”, which prohibits anglers from fishing for striped bass, whether harvesting fish or practicing catch-and-release.

Additional seasonal closures are not needed. Strict recreational fishery management using a narrow slot limit has effectively lowered fishing mortality to a 30-year low which is well below both the target and threshold needed for rebuilding.

Tell ASMFC to reject new closures and maintain status quo management. Comments are due no later than October 3, 2025.