Jim Saxton: “the Atlantic coast stock of striped bass are found in waters from North Carolina to Maine. They are highly migratory but…”

“the Atlantic coast stock of striped bass are found in waters from North Carolina to Maine. They are highly migratory but move primarily along the coast within the 3-mile zone, which is subject to State fishery management. While striped bass populations have fluctuated dramatically in the past, the population suffered a drastic decline in the 1970's. In fact, striped bass harvests dropped from 15 million pounds in 1973 to 3.5 million pounds in 1983. In response to this serious problem, Congress approved an emergency striped bass study and the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act of 1984. This law requires all affected coastal States to implement management measures to conserve and protect the remaining stocks of Atlantic striped bass. The resurgence of striped bass is a major fishery management success story. In fact, Maryland recently announced that a record-shattering number of young striped bass were found this year in the State's long-running annual striped bass survey. This survey is one of the most important barometers used to judge the health of the Atlantic coast striped bass stock. H.R. 4139 will ensure that this remarkable recovery continues. This legislation will reauthorize both the Striped Bass Conservation Act and ongoing striped bass population studies. In addition, the bill focuses attention on stripers in the Delaware River and encourages greater public participation in the writing of management plans.”