USCG to intensify efforts to stop offshore poaching of Striped Bass

[Bucktail]

Coast Guard News
Nov 10th, 2014

PHILADELPHIA — The Coast Guard will intensify efforts this winter to stop offshore poaching of Atlantic striped bass along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts.

In an effort to ensure the health of the striped bass population, the Coast Guard is working to raise awareness of federal regulations stating Atlantic striped bass may not be caught, harvested or possessed in the Exclusive Economic Zone. The EEZ begins three nautical miles from shore and extends out to 200 nautical miles.

While striped bass are typically found closer to shore, changing sea temperatures can cause them to migrate farther than three miles offshore. A person caught fishing for, or in possession of striped bass while in the EEZ is subject to civil fines.

“It’s important to remember Atlantic Striped Bass have not fully recovered from years of overfishing,” said Capt. Kathy Moore, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia. “Complying with these rules will ensure this resource is available to future generations”

The public is encouraged to report any suspected poaching activity to Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay at 215-271-4974. Calls should include a description of the activity, those involved, the location and the time of the suspected offense. Such information greatly increases the effectiveness of law enforcement operations.

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[Hotrod]

 

[Hunter 2]

Just a thought,,
 The Coast Guard should be used for more important things then checking our vessels for Stripers past the 3 mile line. Rescuing boats and people in distress, guarding ,,,our coast against threats and illegal immigration and drug trafficking.  Let the DEP handle it.
    The 3 mile rule also hurts charters and private boats. If sea bass/cod/ling/Porgy fishing is kind of slow, we cannot catch and posses Stripers at dawn inshore  when the bite is better at the start of a trip and then run past the 3 mile line to the bottom fishing grounds.

[IrishAyes]

Years ago when this was issued (fed waters closed for stripers) all the rec guys were screaming for it to happen. Now that it affects them they are screaming why did it happen. Sometimes you do regret when you get what you wish for.

[Eng 94]

The problem is DEP is not equipped to handle such vast control of the waters,It can't even handle it's primary responsibilities ie Environmental issues.

You make an excellent point Hunter 2 when it comes to fishing different areas when the bite is on. The long and short of it is. Law makers are looking for the easy way to control fisheries management with no clear common sense approach.

Sometimes the wishes we make don't take into consideration  the stupidity of the people carrying out those wishes.