Massachusetts Striped Bass Legislation Update
Our Massachusetts lobbyist, Henri Rauschenbach, has been working hard over this legislative session to build support for making striped bass a game fish in MA. We are working towards this goal not only by direct legislative attempts to end the commercial fishery in one fell swoop, but in the shorter run to achieve interim measures that will reduce the commercial fishing quota, educate consumers as to the levels of mercury and PCB contaminants that exist in these fish, and to eliminate recreational anglers who sell their catch from the commercial fishery. At the same time we are doing everything possible to educate legislators about the superior socio-economic value of the recreational striped bass fishery, and to make them aware of the need to conserve the large, breeding female bass.
Those of you who have tried to influence the political process know how difficult a path it can be, but we have made significant progress. Here is a report from Henri:
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We have been very busy at the State House and have been making progress in this legislative session with our allies in the Legislature assisting. We have 2 bills in play as we head towards the end of the Legislative Formal Sessions (JULY 31ST).
We were able to move a bill dealing with Food Labeling (SB1059) in fish for dangerous substances (mercury, PCB’s etc.) out of the Joint Committee on Public Health. This bill was filed by Senator Moore and co-sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Ferguson and has now gone to Senate Ways and Means. We are thankful to the two committee Chairs: Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez (D – Boston) and Senator John Keenan (D – Quincy) as well as to Senator Richard Moore (D – Uxbridge). The second bill (HB660) that we have successfully moved out of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture as a rewrite was our Act Relative to the Conservation of Striped Bass. While there is tremendous opposition to the bill in the Committee, the Senate Chairman, Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton), pushed very hard to redraft our bill and create a Special Commission to focus on our issues. While this isn’t exactly what we wanted, it does show that we are growing in strength. Your efforts on behalf of the Striped Bass are starting to pay off. Of great assistance with this in Committee was Rep. Matt Beaton (R. Shrewsbury) who is carrying the bill out of Committee. We should also say a special thanks to our long time and consistent supporters: Senator James Timilty (D -Walpole), Rep. Tom Stanley (D – Waltham) and Rep. Kimberley Ferguson (R-Holden).
With four months left in the formal Legislative Session and with the Budget coming out in the House on April 9th to be debated at the end of April, we are preparing to offer the Rep. Beaton language on the Striped Bass Special Commission as an amendment to the budget. This is not easy to do and we will be asking you to support our cause at the appropriate time. Remember – it is an election year and legislators do respond to constituents.
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There will come a time later this spring when Henri will ask for our help in contacting legislators to ask for their support on these measures. That will be the time when every member will be needed. In the meantime, though, if you have a close relationship with a MA legislator and are willing to speak to them in advance on striped bass conservation, please send us an e-mail at stripers@stripersforever.org.
Also, this link will take you to a current article that shows how members of the American Sport fishing Association are working to make national legislators aware of the tremendous socio-economic impact of recreational fishing in America.
Boston Globe “Podium” piece published Monday 3/10
Stripers Forever has an important article in the Boston Globe that begs for an immediate response from our concerned membership. This is a simple opportunity for you to send a strong and clear message to our legislators, many of whom until now have ignored our pleas to save wild striped bass. This article brings the debate into the public arena and public opinion matters to politicians.
If you sincerely care about the future of wild striped bass-and you should-you need to add your comments in agreement to this article and express your support for saving striped bass. Follow this link to the article and please share and leave your comments.
Clicking the “Comments” button at the conclusion of the Globe article is your opportunity to weigh in with your opinion. Your message should be clear and respectful. Be succinct and focus on the premise that the Legislature needs to step in and declare striped bass off limits to commercial harvesting. Without the temptation of market dollars to encourage over-harvesting which is what’s ruining this fishery, and with protection of game fish status, the regulators will instead manage stripers for recreational success. That means more, not fewer, fish in the ocean, resulting in a healthier and more robust fishery.
By clicking on the “Share” button at the top of the article you can easily email a copy of the article to your state senator and state representative so that Beacon Hill takes note of this issue. This is equally important.
Game fish designation for striped bass means a restoration of our billion-dollar recreational striped bass fishing economy and associated jobs; it means protecting striped bass for future generations; and it means that striped bass will no longer be overexploited, undervalued and under appreciated. But it depends on each of us making sure our voice is heard.
One, simple, short letter from you will have a direct and positive impact on the welfare of wild striped bass. Please do it now and as always thank you for your support.
Fred Jennings and Dean Clark, Co-Chairs, MA Stripers Forever
2 Guide trips for auction to benefit Stripers Forever
We are excited to announce the start of an auction for two great guided trips. As a non-profit conservation organization all proceeds go to helping Stripers Forever reach our goal to secure game fish status for wild striped bass on the Atlantic Coast.
Please visit our live auction page for complete details and instructions on how to place your bid.
Merrimack River and Plum Island, MA Charter with Joppa Charters guide Capt. Dave Rimmer
Join seasoned fisherman and guide Dave Rimmer for fly and light tackle fishing aboard his 22-foot Pathfinder bay boat on the legendary and picturesque waters of the Merrimack River and Plum Island area in northeastern Massachusetts. Fish fast moving river currents with varied structure, steep cut marsh banks, mud and sand flats as well as open ocean with rips and sand bars along the outer beaches. Target striped bass of all sizes throughout the season and bluefish mid to late season. All gear available if needed or bring your own. Trip departure location will either be Merrimack River or Parker River.
Duration 6 hours starting around first light. 1-2 anglers.
Montauk Trophy Stripers with noted author & guide Captain Tom Mikoleski
Fish in style and comfort aboard The Grand Slam, a custom 35’T-Jason Down East hull. Great dates are open, and Captain Tom suggests moon-tide, night trips in July or September for your best shot at Trophy stripers. Bring your friends or that big customer!
As a special bonus a copy of Captain Mikoleski’s latest book Bass Buff a Striper Fishing Obsession Guide is included for every angler in the party that day.
Check out the websites for Grand Slam Charters, and the Bass Buff book for more information. If you can’t make the trip don’t forget to order the book. It has all of Captain Tom’s secrets!
http://www.grandslamcharters-ny.com/ | http://montaukstriperfishing.com/
1/2 day trip. up to 6 anglers. (upgrade to a full day for $300 flat)
Bears Den (Taunton, MA) Annual Show & 25th Anniversary
The Bear’s Den in Taunton continues to be a great supporter of striped bass conservation. Their annual show and 25th Anniversary is coming up next Saturday the 22nd. Stripers Forever will have a booth there, so stop by, say hello and pick up a new hat. This show features some of the top names in fly fishing including Lefty Kreh and saltwater fly innovator Bob Popovics. For full information check out this link to the Bear’s Den show.
