oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

We noticed a significant reduction in the presence of blues this year in the mid Atlantic - both spring and fall. Quite a change from just a few years ago when there was a massive invasion of blues in Barnegat Bay. Gator blues were seen trapping schools of bunker against the shoreline and turning the water blood red during the ensuing massacre. Striper fisherman complained that the abundant blues hit their offerings before the stripers had the opportunity. Now the regulators have weighed in with new limits:

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Last week, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) approved new recreational fishing regulations for the 2020 Atlantic bluefish fishery from Florida to Maine. These measures, which include a 3-fish bag limit for private anglers and shore-based fishermen and a 5-fish bag limit for for-hire fishermen, represent a substantial reduction compared to the federal 15-fish bag limit that has been in place since 2000. The Commission’s actions are final and apply to state waters (0-3 miles from shore), while the Council will forward its recommendation for federal waters (3 – 200 miles from shore) to the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Administrator for final approval.

audigger53 Loc: Severn, MD

So again stick it to the guys that don't take many. Nothing about the Commercial guys? Or is that under the For-Hire Fishermen? We go out there and wait most of the day and are happy for 2-3 big Blues. But this is really getting bad for the small rec fishermen. IMO of course. Slap a no Blue Fish on the Commercial guys for 3 years and see if they don't come back strong. Again IMO

oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

Here is the part of the report explaining their logic:

The Council and Commission considered several combinations of bag limits and minimum size limits, including options to set a single set of regulations for all fishing modes or different regulations for shore/private modes and the for-hire mode. Although the Council’s Bluefish Monitoring Committee recommended a coastwide 3-fish bag limit, the majority of comments from the public and Bluefish Advisory Panel (AP) members expressed opposition to this option, noting that it would have severe economic consequences for the for-hire sector, which was only responsible for 3.6% of coastwide landings from 2016 to 2018. Additionally, AP members and the public emphasized that these proposed reductions come at a challenging time for for-hire stakeholders as they are also facing new restrictions on striped bass, black sea bass, summer flounder, and scup.
After an extensive discussion and thorough consideration of public comments, the Council recommended and Commission approved a 3-fish bag limit for private and shore modes and a 5-fish bag limit for the for-hire mode. No restrictions were made to minimum fish size or seasons.

audigger53 Loc: Severn, MD

So the Head Boats are at 5 then. Still nothing about Commercial netting, ect. Then other than Head Boats. Correct?

oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

I haven't read the whole report. You can view it at:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/511cdc7fe4b00307a2628ac6/t/5dfa4f70e0f0ae6c75d322cf/1576685424632/2019-12_Council-Report.pdf

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

This is very interesting to me. I ran a charter boat in Alaska for years. The commercial vs. sport is the same politics as everywhere. The charter vs. private limits has me doubting the scientific approach. In alaska, the private fisherman has a bigger limit for halibut than the charter boats. These limits are exact opposite. What am I missing?

oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

My guess is that the "for-hire stakeholders" as they call them must have a stronger political lobby on the east coast versus Alaska.

doc alden

If you're not greasing the wheels of legislation with lots of money, you're probably going to be disappointed with the ensuing legislation. Commercial fisherman and charter boat associations have paid lobbyists who hang around the state capitols looking for fresh legislators who need a paid lunch. They usually find them. If you can't match or exceed what these lobbyists do than don't expect much from your legislators. There is strength in numbers.

audigger53 Loc: Severn, MD

And lots of greed in Politics. Why else put out hundreds of 1000's of dollars for a job that only pays like $75K or less? My Dad told me to "Vote against all incumbents, that way when they learn how to steal and get away with it, they are out of office." He wasn't that trusting of them.

hang on sloopy Loc: oakford,pa.bucks,co.

thanks Oldsalt good info , On the water posted an article about that and the menhaden commercial fishing impact in the Chesapeake so well as recent violators caught and the fines being enforced in Virginia , and showing the recognition that it is time to do something more about it . I read the article , went to another tried to go back but lost the darn thing , I wanted to give more info but can't . should I find it I will post more .