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The Department of Marine Resources announces the publication of an emergency rulemaking to adjust the striped bass slot limit.?The new slot limit is 28-inches to 31-inches.This means that striped bass from 28.0-inches to 31.0-inches may be harvested. This rulemaking is in response to emergency action taken by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to implement a 31-inch maximum size limit in the striped bass recreational fishery where a higher, or no, maximum size limit applies.?

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*Chapter 42.01 Striped Bass Slot Limit*

*CONCISE SUMMARY:*?This rulemaking responds to emergency action taken by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission?s (ASMFC) Atlantic Striped Bass Board to reduce the maximum size limit in the recreational striped bass fishery to 31-inches. This action was taken in response to a significant increase in 2022 recreational removals which substantially reduced the probability of rebuilding the stock by 2029. As a result, a 28-inch to 31-inch slot limit should reduce harvest, provide greater protection to the 2015 year-class, support a higher probability of rebuilding, and maintain compliance with the ASMFC fishery management plan. For these reasons, the Commissioner hereby adopts an emergency action to modify Maine?s striped bass slot limit to be 28-inches to 31-inches, inclusive, as authorized by 12 M.R.S. ?6171(3)(A).

*EFFECTIVE DATE:*?May 18, 2023

A copy of the Notice of Emergency Rulemaking is attached?and can be found here [ [link removed] ].


* Striped Bass Emergency Action Slot Limit Change for web.pdf [ [link removed] ]

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*ASMFC Striped Bass Board Meeting Overview*

At their May 2 meeting, the Striped Bass Management Board (Board) reviewed catch information which showed a significant increase in recreational removals in 2022?as the 2015 year-class moved into the existing slot limit. This higher level of fishing mortality had a significant impact on striped bass rebuilding, with updated stock projections showing the probability of rebuilding by 2029 drops from 97%, under the lower 2021 fishing mortality rate, to less than 15% if the higher 2022 fishing mortality rate continues each year. Based on this information, the Board took emergency action for the 2023 fishing year to implement a 31-inch maximum size limit in the recreational fishery where a higher, or no, maximize size limit currently applies. This action is intended to provide greater protection to the 2015 year-class as it moves through the recreational fishery.?

A press release on the Board meeting can be found?HERE [ [link removed] ].?

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