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Charter‑boat operators say Atlantic States action and state changes devastated Maryland charter industry
Summary
Representatives of Maryland charter‑boat operators told the House Environment and Transportation Committee that an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries decision and subsequent state season and size‑limit changes reduced charter entitlements and contributed to steep declines in catch, trips and businesses across Maryland’s Bay communities.
Brian Hardman, who identified himself as president of the Maryland charter‑boat association, told the House Environment and Transportation Committee that a January 2024 action by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries (as described by the witness) and subsequent state season changes “took our one fish away” from many Maryland charter operators and contributed to large declines in business.
Hardman said the Atlantic States group moved to alter the allocation that had allowed many Maryland charter operators two keeper fish while recreational anglers had one; he told the committee the change was not based on local economic data and that Atlantic States members from other states pushed the change. “We were in serious trouble,” he said,…
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