MarylandNatural Resources Police (NRP) have confiscated more than 10 tons of illegally caught rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay near Bloody Point and Eastern Bay.
“The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association is disheartened and outraged over the 10 tons of illegally caught rockfish in our own Chesapeake Bay”, MSSA’s President Vince Ringgold said.
Additional illegal nets have been found in the mouth of the Choptank but have revealed very few fish as they were captured not too long after being set. The NRP is investigating all leads and will continue its efforts to find these illegal nets and the people responsible.
The Chesapeake Bay is the spawning ground and nursery for 75 percent of the migratory striped bass stock on the coast. Maryland is under continued pressure from the Atlantic states to protect the spawning grounds of this coveted fish and to ensure a sustainable fishery. The rockfish, also known as striped bass, is Maryland’s state fish.
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