I arrived during the Flounder portion so I may not be giving accurate information. I dont think anything was decided. I believe most states were very close to the quota with the exception of MD who was like 23% over. Only thing that was decided was that Maryland will not be able to split regulations for the bay and coastal waters.
Regarding the Striped Bass and poaching I believe the NC representative suggested opening the EEZ for better management. Currently they are not sure how many fish are being caught outside the EEZ and by opening it up the fish would be better accounted for. He also noted the cost of helocopters and patrol boats on a nice day outside of Oregon inlet. To me, it made sense that the many miles of open Ocean isnt really cost effective to patrol. It would make more sense to open the EEZ to me manage through creels, which can be better and more cost effectively enforced through access points. Either way it doesnt matter to me as the last two years 95% of my striped bass fishing has been in the Chesapeake Bay. (with the occassional trip to the Cape May Rips with my father). However, I would rather see enforcable rules that maximize economic impact of the fisheries by providing access and opportunity. I also want them to better account for what is actually being harvested for better management.
I attended the meetings with David Smith, the executive director of the MSSA (
www.mssa.net )
