May 16, 2023 — Thursday came and went and New Jersey’s Marine Fisheries Council did not vote on the striped bass emergency ruling on the 28 to 31 inch striped bass.
Instead, the council made a motion to have its Striped Bass Advisory Committee meet in June and review the data and the mandate passed down by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission that requires all member states to approve the measure or be found out of compliance which could result in a moratorium being places on the fisher, here. States have until July 2 to come into compliance.
For now, fishermen in New Jersey waters can continue to keep one striped bass between 28 and 38 inches.
There were some strong words spoken by the public at the council meeting as New Jersey grapples with the decision. Some such as Eddie Yates, a charter boat captain and United Boatman member, said the ruling will only lead to more discards as fishermen will throw back more fish as they try to land a keeper.