“Too Long, Didn’t Read”: NOAA’s sweeping revision of recreational fishing data has dramatically changed the numbers behind striped bass management, but it hasn’t changed the troubling trajectory of the fishery. Across the 1982–2025 time series, estimated recreational fishing trips dropped 41%, while striped bass harvest and releases both declined 43%.
“Too Long, Didn’t Read”: There was an Executive Order on saltwater fishing last week. Executive Order 14430 does not rewrite federal fisheries law, immediately increase harvest, or replace MRIP; instead, it directs federal agencies to reconsider how recreational fisheries are managed, how data are collected, and how fishing access is
Feature Photo: Captain Ben Whalley and his clients release a beautiful bass at water level. ABC 123? Let’s face it: fisheries management conversations need more acronyms. At the August 6th ASMFC Summer Meeting, the Striped Bass Plan Review Team (PRT) presented the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) review and state compliance
One number has quietly shaped striped bass management for nearly 30 years: 9% release mortality. As of summer 2026, the Striped Bass stock assessment benchmark process is in full swing and the implications of release mortality estimates have never been greater. The following blog examines the science behind catch-and-release mortality,
Photo: J. Gao If you caught the conversations in Episode 212 of “The Guide Post Podcast” and our previous blog “Striper Fishing is Incredible!” Says Menhaden Advocates, this follow-up post breaks down the perversive and baseless “stripers are dependent on menhaden” talking point. In serious fishery management conversations, there’s no room for fantasy
ASMFC Summer Meeting – August 4–6, 2026 The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission meets in Arlington August 4-6 for its Summer Meeting. Several boards will convene, but a handful of agenda items will shape management decisions for years. Here is a detailed breakdown of what matters most for fisheries conservation
Header Photo Credit: Sean Cobelli Media Spend enough time on social media during the 2026 striped bass migration and you’ll inevitably consume a dominant narrative: the striped bass fishing is better than it’s ever been! Massive trophy fish are being landed from New Jersey to Maine. Anglers are touting their
The Connecticut Senate Has a Powerful Opportunity to Protect Striped Bass Before Session Ends. The striped bass fight never stops. Right now, the Connecticut Senate has a bipartisan piece of legislation ready to go. Raised Bill 5333 is sitting on the Senate calendar. The bill has already passed the House and
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission holds its Spring Meeting this week. The quarterly gathering runs from Monday, May 4th through Wednesday, May 6th in Arlington, Virginia. ASMFC is the interstate board that sets the rules for menhaden, striped bass, red drum, and a dozen other species we advocate for
This week, an Axios Raleigh article made the rounds claiming there may have been a strong wild spawn of striped bass in North Carolina’s Roanoke River — a “dramatic turnaround” after years of poor recruitment. We understand why people want that to be true (trust us, we do as well). Unfortunately, wanting
GIVE THE GIFT OF FISHERIES CONSERVATION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. SHOP ASGA GOODS THAT FUND FISHERIES RESEARCH & ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS
JOIN ASGA IN CALLING FOR CRITICAL MANAGEMENT ACTION AFTER YEARS OF SPAWN FAILURES & POOR MANAGEMENT.
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