May 7, 2023 — On Tuesday the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved a new emergency slot size limit for striped bass to be implemented this year of 28 inches to less than 31 inches, one fish/person/day. Presently we have a 28-35-inch slot size.
“The emergency action was necessary because of last year’s striped bass catch rates which were found to have increased by over 1,000,000 bass from the prior year. This increase caused a significant reduction in probability of the current rebuilding plan as required by law to effectively rebuild the stock.” said Greg Vespe, executive director of the RI Saltwater Anglers Association.
The action requires states to implement the new 31-inch maximum size as soon as possible and no later than July 2, 2023. At press time Rhode Island nor Massachusetts had announced when the new slot size regulation would be implemented.