The striped bass fishery, like other fisheries, is a self-replenishing resource. But, if we harvest striped bass at a faster rate than the fishery can replenish itself, then we will delete our oceans and rivers of a vital resource. This nearly happened in the 1970’s. Fortunately, regulations were put in place and the striped bass population was restored to self-sustaining levels.
Over the last few seasons, I have have observed a significant reduction in the number and size of striped bass on the Atlantic seaboard. Other anglers and organizations have also noticed this decline.
The 1@32 Pledge is a new movement in the recreational fishing community that was started on by Ross Squire from New York. In short, anglers and organizations are pledging to harvest 1 fish at 32 inches or greater per day.
The creation of smart regulations and legislation occurs on a political time scale. Striped bass live and die in real time. I am not a politician. I am a recreational angler. As a recreational angler, I am taking the 1@32 Pledge.
