Recreational Fishermen Harvest Majority of Striped Bass

Conservation groups oppose bill to lift August fishing ban in Maryland

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:08am

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A new report from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission shows that recreational fishermen accounted for the majority of striped bass removals in 2019 and 2020, with 87% of the total. While this data suggests recreational fishing has a significant impact, the article argues the data does not prove recreational fishermen are solely responsible for overfishing the striped bass stock. The article also discusses a bill in Maryland that would cancel a regulation prohibiting striped bass fishing during August, which conservation groups oppose due to concerns about fish survival in warm waters.

Why it matters

Striped bass is an important recreational and commercial fishery along the Atlantic Coast, and debates over fishing regulations and conservation efforts have significant economic and environmental implications for coastal communities. Understanding the relative impacts of recreational versus commercial fishing is crucial for developing effective management policies.

The details

According to data from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, recreational fishing accounted for 87% of striped bass removals in both 2019 and 2020, with recreational release mortality making up 54% of total mortality in 2020. Commercial fishing made up the remaining portion. Even with more restrictive regulations in 2022-23, recreational fishermen still accounted for 49% of the harvest and 40% of discard mortality, while commercial fishermen had 10% of the harvest and 0.5% of the discards.

  • In 2022-23, a one-fish slot limit of 28 to 31 inches was implemented along the Atlantic Coast and in the Chesapeake and Delaware bays.
  • In 2020, recreational release mortality was 54% of total striped bass mortality.

The players

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

An interstate compact that coordinates the conservation and management of shared nearshore fishery resources, including striped bass, along the Atlantic coast.

Stove Boat LLC

A public affairs and communications consultancy specializing in ocean-related industries, including fisheries, the environment and shipping.

Robert Vanasse

The principal at Stove Boat LLC.

Kayla Clauson

An environmental scientist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, which has established a facility in Lewes for research and restoration of underwater vegetation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.