The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) filed new regulations today establishing a bag limit of one striped bass per person per day, at a 28-inch minimum size. The season will be open year-round.
See State-By-State Striper Regulations for 2015
DEM Director Janet Coit based today’s decision on the need to protect the health and future of the striped bass population. “Faced with the stark reality of a declining population, I am compelled to take strong action, consistent with our neighboring states, to reverse the decline and restore the striped bass fishery to a more robust and sustainable status,” said Coit.
In reaching her final decision, Director Coit reviewed the entire public record, with a particular focus on five key factors: resource conservation, risk, enforceability, compliance, and equity. Director Coit found that the arguments in favor of taking a more risk-averse approach applicable to all Rhode Island recreational fishermen outweighed the case for including the two-fish option applicable to Rhode Island’s for-hire industry.
“In acting to protect the health of the resource, I seek to protect the long-term interests of all fishermen, including those in the for-hire industry, who rely upon striped bass for recreation, food, and employment,” said Coit.
Director Coit said that in many ways, this has been the most challenging marine fisheries issue that she has faced as Director. “The Department heard from hundreds of men and women who love to fish in Rhode Island. The passion and enthusiasm for stripers and fishing is overwhelming. Rhode Island’s recreational fishing is world class, and we want to keep promoting our outstanding marine resources, our party and charter businesses, and the many jobs associated with this fishery,” said Coit.
Looking ahead, Director Coit said she intends to work closely with the for-hire industry to pursue separate for-hire quotas for the various fisheries that are important to their operations, with a view to enabling the industry to remain strong and viable.
The On The Water staff is made up of experienced anglers from across the Northeast who fish local waters year-round. The team brings firsthand, on-the-water experience and regional knowledge to coverage of Northeast fisheries, techniques, seasonal patterns, regulations, and conservation.
Reduced recreational limits are a start, but its the commercial guys that need to be reigned in…and not just here. The North Carolina winter catch kills our season
Director Coit has proven that once again big money fisheries have beaten down the recreational fishermen and woman. This is happening all over the coast where consideration and true conservationists are being screwed for big business interests. A one fish limit is a slap in the face to all who enjoy fishing for Rockfish\Striped Bass. Disgusted to the pit of my stomach!!!
Happy with your handing of the Striper Bass limit. My self; I think the size should have gone up to 30″ and only 1 fish. I catch and release Striper Bass because of the time it takes these fish to become a large fish. I think that if anglers knew the time it took these fish to get there sizes. Than they would respect and understand why conservation is so important.
Thank You
I feel that the hole east coast should be the same from Maine to Florida.
Cheers R.I….we were a little worried for awhile…maybe someone can talk some sense in N.J.
We ALL have to conserve, meaning recreational AND commercial. Catch and release, you can enjoy that all day long. Plus it makes more sense, given the health risks of PCBs, associated with the consuming of just a little bit of striper meat. Commercial can still make their charter cash. Have a great year. Season will start soon, but maybe a little later than usual, due to long winter.
Until they put more restrictions on the commercial fishing we the sportsman who usually catch and release the large cows that can carry millions of eggs are going to be penalized. Stop the commercial trawlers from taking every fish in a school no matter what size.
New York Hudson River north of GW bridge 2015 striper regulations recreational/ 1 fish 18-28″ or 1 fish 40″ or bigger. What are they thinking?.
Good, it’s a start ! I’d be on board with a slot as well, which has been a major success with snook. But where’s the limit on commercial removal (Chatham)? Where are the resources to crack down on poaching? Chesapeak, Delaware river, Hudson, Jamaica Bay.
Some Bull#hit!