Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Striped Bass Advisory Panel Recap - A Hard No for "No Targeting"
I sent this letter to Jason MacNamee, the Deputy Director for Natural Resources at Rhode Island DEM. Jason also serves on the Rhode Island delegation to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
ASMFC has a series of important meetings next week involving striped bass and new regulations intended to hit their striped bass rebuilding target of 2029. If striped bass are important to you, then this should get you up to speed.
There are also many great resources on the American Saltwater Guide Association blog
Thanks, Franktown, for the attention-grabbing image!
Dear Jason,
I attended the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Committee Striped Bass Advisory Panel call earlier this week. Emilie did a fine job of reviewing the options under consideration at the ASMFC Striped Bass Meeting next Wednesday.
I was disappointed to see that “No Target” closures remain an option. As you know, the definition of “No Target” means that “to catch or attempt to catch” a striped bass would be illegal during these closures.
I strongly oppose “No Target" closures
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There is no scientific evidence that demonstrates a benefit to the striped bass fishery - that's pain with no/ unknown gain.
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The basis of no targeting closures hinges on the assumption that no trips will take place. This is wildly inaccurate and makes the data worthless. ASMFC should stop trying to solve a math problem. Frankly, it is embarrassing, and the entire board loses credibility.
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This is a multi-million-dollar economy. Recreational anglers drive over 99% of this and will be treated as criminals when trying to avoid stripers and then unintentionally catch one.
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ASMFC’s own Law Enforcement Committee ranked “No Target” closures 27th out of the 27 options they considered. A vote in support of “No Target” lacks credibility, as you are aware that enforcement is not up to the task and that there is a lack of commitment to the mission of rebuilding striped bass and its associated economy.
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The Saltwater Edge is one of the largest independent tackle shops in New England. We have had supply chain issues and then tariffs. And now, we potentially have unenforceable regulations on the table that will destroy our business for no gain. If these are not removed, we will have no other recourse but to address this with our elected officials.
- The risk of being accused of striper fishing may deter people from targeting alternative species, such as bluefish and false albacore, further harming local businesses.
Other concerns from the Advisory Panel call
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The commercial sector has not kept pace with our reductions and is largely unaccountable, as demonstrated by the Technical Committee during its meeting earlier this month. Close the loopholes.
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Charter for hire should not have a larger slot limit than the rest of Rhode Island's striped bass fishermen, who may or may not be able to afford a charter experience. If Rhode Island votes for this, you are showing everyone that you are not taking the collapse of the fishery seriously.
Economic Realities of the Striped Bass Decline
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The 60% reduction in striped bass directed fishing effort coastwide (as tracked by MRIP) has corresponded with the decline in striped bass. Further proof that more fish in the water is better for recreational anglers and fishing-related businesses.
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I currently employ four full-time year-round and five part-time staff members. That’s down three full-time jobs from our peak.
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Lastly and gloriously, striped bass is every man’s fish. It can be caught from the shore or a boat, using lures, flies, or bait, and is available to Ocean State anglers nearly twelve months a year. It is the linchpin of our recreational fishing economy and must be treated accordingly.
Please work your tail off to remove “No Targeting” from the options available for public comment. Rhode Island recreational anglers, retailers, lure and tackle manufacturers, and many of its Charter Captains will thank you.
Please don't hesitate to call on me if there is anything I can do to support your efforts.
My best,
Peter Jenkins
Dennis Zambrotta
agosto 08, 2025
Well said. I believe the “No Targeting” option was thrown into mix so as to make the process so unpalatable that recreational user groups would support other options. Basically using No Targeting option to get many to stop pushing a moratorium.