April 22, 2026 — Maryland and Mid-Atlantic fisheries officials are warning that delays in updating federal recreational fishing rules could disrupt the 2026 season for black sea bass and summer flounder, threatening anglers, charter operations and coastal businesses already strained by a difficult year.
The concern follows a string of setbacks for Maryland watermen, including a collapse in the oyster market, a severe winter freeze, a major sewage spill in the Potomac River, and ongoing uncertainty surrounding rockfish regulations and blue catfish.
In letters sent last week, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and U.S. Rep. Andy Harris urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to complete rulemaking tied to recreational measures for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass and bluefish.