On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host a Webinar Hearing to gather public input on Draft Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass.

This hearing is among several informational sessions being held by coastal state members of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).  During spring, Striped Bass annually migrate from the Atlantic Ocean into the Delaware Estuary and Delaware River to spawn.  This Striped Bass fishery is co-managed by Pennsylvania and New Jersey and provides seasonal recreational fishing opportunities for anglers in both states.

Due to unsustainable recreational harvest observed in 2022, the Striped Bass Management Board enacted emergency action regulations in early 2023 in an attempt to meet specific goals set forth by Amendment 7.  Concurrently, board members initiated the creation of Draft Addendum II to Amendment 7 with the intent to increase the probability of meeting the 2029 stock rebuilding timeline. 

Draft Addendum II proposes various management measures such as recreational fishery regulations, consideration of separate regulations for the charter industry, and the establishment of minimum requirements for at sea/shore-side filleting. 

To view Draft Addendum II, visit the ASMFC website (asmfc.org).  Instructions on how to register and participate in the webinar hearing can be found here.