Fishermen demand urgent changes to flounder fishing regulations

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the management of ocean fisheries, particularly focusing on the Southern and Summer flounder populations. Fishermen raised concerns about the current regulations, which they believe do not adequately reflect the realities of the fishery. The ocean fishery, primarily consisting of summer and gulf flounder, is described as small and heavily tied to the harvest of Southern flounder.

Commissioners acknowledged that any changes to the existing management plan would require an amendment, a process that could be complex given the current regulations. One commissioner expressed skepticism about the validity of the data used to justify the closure of certain fishing seasons, arguing that the decision seemed based on instinct rather than solid evidence. This sentiment was echoed by others who noted an increase in the size and number of flounder being caught, suggesting that the fishery might be healthier than the data indicates.

The meeting also highlighted the constraints imposed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which governs flounder management. Currently, Southern flounder are experiencing overfishing, and changes to the fishing seasons cannot be made until 2026, when the required reductions in harvest will no longer be necessary.

Participants discussed the potential for an isolated fishing season, emphasizing the need for flexibility in management to better accommodate recreational fishermen. The conversation underscored the complexities of fishery management, including the interplay between state regulations and broader coast-wide assessments that involve neighboring states like South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Overall, the meeting revealed a growing frustration among commissioners and fishermen alike regarding the limitations of current regulations and the need for a more responsive management approach to support the sustainability of flounder populations.