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DMF proposes commercial striped-bass slot limit, possible gaffing prohibition and measurement standard
Summary
The Division of Marine Fisheries presented a proposal to adopt a commercial maximum size (slot) for striped bass with options to reduce the minimum size, align measurement to pinch-tail convention, and consider removing gaffing for commercial anglers; the proposal will go to public hearing and may alter state quota calculations.
Division staff presented a proposal to establish a commercial striped-bass slot limit (maximum size) in the range of 38–44 inches and to reduce the commercial minimum size to as low as 32 inches, creating a slot meant to protect the largest spawning females while allowing harvest of mid-sized fish.
Why it matters: Striped bass are currently experiencing reduced recruitment and remain overfished; scientific literature cited by staff emphasizes the contribution of large females to stock productivity. A commercial slot limit would change retention rules and require a coast‑wide recalculation of state quotas under ASMFC procedures.
DMF staff described the proposed measures: a range of maximum-size alternatives (38–44 inches) paired with minimum sizes down to 32 inches to produce a 6–9 inch slot; an initial preferred range was presented in the meeting materials. Staff noted quota reductions that accompany size-limit changes (preliminary spawning-potential and yield-per-recruit calculations were presented in summary form). The department also raised a policy question: because gaffing is currently allowed in the commercial fishery but prohibited in the recreational fishery, adopting a commercial slot limit would prompt reconsideration of the commercial gaffing allowance to reduce release mortality and improve measurement accuracy on release.
Staff also proposed uniform measurement (pinch-tail) across sectors to reduce ambiguity at landing and during enforcement. Commissioners asked about the effects on release mortality, whether commercial possession limits (15-fish limit) would change (staff said no change proposed), and potential behavioral changes by fishers in targeting sizes. Bill Amaru requested modeling of expected changes in release mortality prior to adoption. DMF staff said they would include additional analysis in the public‑hearing package and present updated catch-at-age data before referral to public hearing.
No formal action was taken; DMF will prepare updated analyses for public hearing.
