Charter‑boat operators say Atlantic States action and state changes devastated Maryland charter industry

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, describing sharp revenue losses and widespread cancellations after the rule change.

Hardman provided numbers he said show the effect on the industry: charter‑boat reported landings in Maryland fell from roughly 100,000 fish in prior years to about 26,000 through Oct. 1, 2024; reported trips fell from about 11,000 to about 5,000; and reported released fish fell from 21,000 to about 12,000. He said the state’s electronic reporting (referred to in testimony as the “fax reporting system”) had previously been used to carve out a two‑fish allowance for boats that participated; that system does not apply to all vessels.

Hardman said the state made other concurrent changes that compounded losses, including shortening seasons and lowering the slot limit to 24 inches for keeper fish. He said many customers went to other states that retained more generous charters or bonus tags, and that his association and some operators sued Atlantic States for procedural defects and lack of an economic impact analysis. He said the litigation is ongoing and an appeal process has been pursued.

Committee members asked about incentives to overfish; Hardman said charter operators have strong incentives to protect the resource because their business depends on repeat customers and long‑term viability. He said enforcement is tied to accurate electronic reporting—the reporting program made participating vessels eligible for a different limit but also made violations potentially disqualifying.

Why it matters: Hardman told the committee the industry has sustained job and business losses—he said about 51 charter boats have been sold or listed for sale since the January meeting and that five tackle shops closed—and that recovery may take years even if limits are restored. The state and the multistate compact that advises on Atlantic coast fisheries both play roles in size and season decisions; Hardman told the committee the compact’s advisory recommendations and state changes together drove the industry decline and that operators felt abandoned by the state’s response.

No committee vote or decision was recorded; members asked for clarification and the committee noted the matter is the subject of ongoing litigation and intergovernmental management processes.