Chesapeake Bay News

The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 08.02.05.12E, announced the closure of the 2008 recreational fishery for summer flounder in all state waters effective 12:01 am October 24, 2008.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has estimated that Maryland’s 2008 recreational quota for summer flounder has been achieved.

The 2009 Maryland recreational fishery will open January 1, 2009 under
conditions outlined in COMAR 08.02.05.12.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service recently finalized the 2008 striped bass (rockfish) juvenile index, a measure of striped bass spawning success in Chesapeake Bay. The 2008 index is 3.2, below the long-term average of 11.7. During the survey DNR biologists collected 422 young-of-year (YOY) striped bass.

“Healthy striped bass populations are known for such highly variable spawning success,” said Eric Durell, DNR Fisheries Biologist. “This is just the third time in the past decade that striped bass reproduction in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay has been below average.”

Two of the most successful spawning years ever documented (2001 and 2003) also occurred during this period. Typically, several years of average reproduction are interspersed with occasional large and small year-classes.

Poor reproduction was also observed for other spring-spawning species such as white perch and American shad, leading biologists to suspect that large-scale environmental factors may be responsible. Heavy rains in early May resulted in decreased water temperatures on major striped bass spawning grounds.

“This spring water temperatures fell below levels known to be lethally cold to striped bass eggs and larvae,” explained Durell. “Survival of these sensitive life stages is a major determinant of spawning success.”

The underlying spanwing stock is still healhty and is watched closely by DNR biologists and monitored and in partnerhsip with other coastal states through the Atlantic State’s Marine Fisheries Commission.

DNR biologists have monitored the reproductive success of striped bass and other species in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay annually since 1954. Twenty-two sites were surveyed in the four major spawning systems: Choptank, Potomac, and Nanticoke Rivers, and the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Biologists visit each site monthly from July through September, collecting fish samples with two sweeps of a 100-foot beach seine. The index is calculated as the average catch of YOY fish per sample.

For more information visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/juvindex/index.html

Non-quota Management Approved for the First Time

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Striped Bass Management Board (ASMFC) approved Maryland’s request to extend the 2008 and 2009 recreational striped bass seasons. The decision also approved an alternative non-quota based management strategy for the fishery’s spring season. The ASMFC approved this strategy for the first time in 2008, but limited this only to the 2008 fishing season.

“Every year, hundreds of thousands of anglers take to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in pursuit of Maryland’s favorite catch, striped bass,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin. “Extending the striped bass fishing seasons increases the opportunity for visiting and resident anglers to catch the big one and support local charter boat captains, fishing guides, tackle shops and other sportfishing related businesses.”

The ASMFC’s vote extended management of the Chesapeake Bay spring trophy striped bass fishery by creel, size and season limits for 2009 and subsequent years until stock assessment determines that corrective action is required for the coastal migratory striped bass population. Maryland regulations include an open season from the third Saturday of April to May 15 when anglers may take one striped bass sized 28-inches or greater; and an open season from May 16 to May 31 when anglers may take two-fish 18-inch or larger, only one of which may be 28 inches or greater. ASMFC also supported Maryland’s proposal to extend the closure date of Maryland’s 2008 recreational striped bass fishery 16 days, from December 15 to December 31.

“We can now offer greater predictability of the timing, creel and size limits for the upcoming striped bass season,” said Maryland Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “Previously, anglers and local businesses were unsure of the seasons’ details until just a few months before its opening.”

To ensure sustainable fisheries management, Maryland and Virginia will continue to estimate and report total spring migrant striped bass harvest to the ASMFC.

“We are very appreciative DNR’s efforts, particularly Tom O’Connell, who worked very hard to increase the opportunity for anglers and charter boat captains to enjoy Maryland’s spectacular striped bass fishing,“ said Ed O’Brien, Vice President of the Maryland Charter Boat Association.

The Chesapeake Bay spring trophy striped bass fishery is of significant socio-economic importance to Maryland’s charter boat industry and recreational fishermen. It was recently estimated that fishing trip expenditures associated with Maryland’s spring striped bass fishery is $10 million annually. More than 9,000 local jobs are supported annually through Maryland’s sportfishing industry. The importance of this fishery to the economic sustainability of Maryland’s charter boat industry has increased recently due to the negative impacts on the industry from the nation’s current economic situation.

With the summer fishing season underway, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages anglers to participate in the Maryland Volunteer Angler Summer Flounder Survey to provide input to the management of one of the state’s valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. DNR uses the survey to establish minimum size and creel limits for the season.

“Angler participation in this program is integral to the establishment of recreational limits for summer flounder,” said Mike Luisi, DNR biologist. “Collecting data on these fish before they are returned to the water allows us to better understand the size distribution of flounder residing in Maryland waters.”

The data will help guide the DNR’s management approach for both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast populations. In addition, it will be used to augment and enhance existing data from the National Marine Fisheries Services’ Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey.

The average length of flounder caught has held relatively steady for the past six years, and in 2007 was 13.1 inches. In 2007 anglers reported 15,427 fish caught during 1,166 trips. Most angler activity occurred along the Atlantic coast, with less than 5 percent taking place in the Chesapeake Bay.

Anglers are asked to measure to the nearest ¼ inch and to include trips where summer flounder were targeted but not caught. DNR hopes to improve reporting this year from anglers targeting summer flounder in the Chesapeake Bay.

The survey runs from April to October of each year. To learn more or to participate in the survey online, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/survey/sfsurveyintro.html. Information and survey packets are also available by mail, through contacting Allison Luettel at 410-260-8343 or aluettel@dnr.state.md.us.

Flounder seekers are also encouraged to enter their catch in the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge this summer. Any angler who catches a citation award qualifying fish will be eligible to win one of the several grand prizes including, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center. More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes in the summer-long contest that runs through Sept. 1.

Maryland Offers Free Fishing Days on June 14 & July 4

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages first time anglers and children to commemorate their first catch through DNR’s My First Fish certificate program.

“Every child should have the opportunity to explore Maryland’s natural resources through fishing. Some of my earliest childhood memories are fishing with my dad and grandfather, “said Tom O’Connell, Maryland Fisheries Service Director. “I’ll never forget the look on my son and daughters faces when they caught their first fish. We hope that parents and mentors will commemorate their children’s first catch by taking advantage of our My First Fish program.”

First-time anglers of all ages may receive a free My First Fish certificate noting their name, species caught, length, catch date and fishing buddy upon completing an online form or visiting an official Maryland Sport Fishing Citation Center. If a digital photograph is taken and included with the entry form, the photo will be included on the certificate.

To encourage new people to try out the sport, Maryland designated June 14 and July 4 as free fishing days, where anglers may fish in public waters without the normally required annual fishing license.

Both first-time and experienced anglers may also join the hunt for Diamond Jim through the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge this summer. Any angler who catches a citation award qualifying fish will be eligible to win one of the several grand prizes including, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center. More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes in the summer-long contest that runs through September 1.

To help ensure that all Maryland children have an opportunity to experience and connect with nature, Governor O’Malley recently signed an Executive Order establishing the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature. This coalition of state, local, private and non-profit partners is charged with promoting the well-being of youth by accelerating environmental learning, connecting communities to parks and public lands and expanding opportunities for structured and unstructured outdoor time in nature for both play and learning.

To access the online My First Fish form and a list of local citation centers visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/tournament/firstfish.html.

For more information about Maryland’s free fishing days, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/freefishing.html.

For more information on the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources kicked off the Diamond Jim portion of the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge today aboard the Blind Faith charter boat by releasing specially tagged striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay.

“Whether you may be a first time, veteran, visiting or resident angler, Maryland’s annual fishing challenge encourages people from all walks of life to get outdoors by going fishing with their friends and children this summer,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We hope that grandfathers and grandmothers, fathers and mothers, and aunts and uncles take time to pass down their fishing tips and favorite spots to their children this summer, so they too can enjoy, learn about, benefit from and become responsible stewards of our State’s diverse natural resources.”

One genuine and 20 imposter specially tagged Diamond Jim striped bass were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries this week. If a lucky angler catches the genuine Diamond Jim by midnight on June 30, he or she will win $10,000 cash courtesy of Boater’s World and a $5,000 diamond from Smyth Jewelers in Timonium. Anglers catching Diamond Jim imposters will receive a $500 Boater’s World gift card. If the genuine Diamond Jim striped bass is not caught before midnight June 30, 2008, he becomes an imposter fish, worth $500 and the July genuine Diamond Jim’s cash value increases to $20,000.

“We are thrilled with the tremendous participation and interest already shown by anglers in this year’s contest,” said Eric Schwaab, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary. “We hope that the release of Diamond Jim further encourages those that have not yet entered to take part in the summer-long challenge.”

Designed to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire environmental A photo of Bill Burton casting a tagged striped bass into Maryland waters.stewardship, the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge began April 12 and will run through Labor Day, September 1, 2008. Any angler who catches a citation-qualifying fish and enters the challenge may win one of the official grand prizes. To date, more than 800 anglers have qualified to win one of the grand prizes, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer package from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center.

More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes, including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and panfish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass caught in Maryland waters off the Atlantic Coast. Grand prize winners will be randomly selected at a closing ceremony in mid-September.

As an added youth component new this year, children participating in various fishing rodeos across the state may qualify for a unique category at the challenge finale event and win a guided fishing trip embarking from several different locations across the state.

In addition to supporting the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge, Governor O’Malley continues to make conserving and restoring our natural resources a priority though a more balanced budget that includes an additional $25 million in funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts; fully funding Program Open Space; an additional $750,000 to improve fisheries management and restore habitat; an enhancement of more than $4 million to ensure sustainable management and quality outdoor recreational opportunities in our state parks; and $3 million for new Chesapeake Bay oyster and habitat restoration projects. Governor O’Malley also strengthen Maryland’s critical areas law to ensure more adequate protection from development of the most environmentally sensitive and significant lands within Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Bays watersheds. Protecting vegetation and natural, living shoreline of our Bays will help prevent water quality and fish habitat decline.

For the full rules, list of qualifying fish, qualified entrants thus far, and other 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge information visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is observing National Safe Boating Week through May 23 to highlight the need for boaters to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water as well as abide by other safety precautions.

“Safe boating saves lives,” said Col. George F. Johnson, NRP Superintendent. “When you boat in Maryland, remember to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water.”

On average a dozen people die each year in boating-related incidents on Maryland waterways, most of which could have been prevented had a lifejacket been worn. Last year, Maryland saw an increase in fatalities, from eight in 2006 to ten in 2007, and injuries went from 163 to 208. Records show that the majority of accidents are the result of wake and/or excessive speed, reckless or negligent operation and operator inexperience or inattention.

Nationwide, 3,474 injuries and 710 fatalities resulting from boating-related accidents were reported in 2006. Overall, two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those who drowned, 90 percent of the victims were not wearing their life jacket. Eight out of every ten boaters who drowned were using boats less than 20 feet in length.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service will extend the Susquehanna Flats catch and release fishery for striped bass by one week. The fishery, originally scheduled to close on May 3, will remain open until midnight on Friday, May 9.

Cold water combined with the forecast of an extended cool weather period will keep water temperatures in an acceptable range for catch and release fishing for striped bass. Maryland anglers and visitors to the top of the Chesapeake Bay will enjoy another week of catch and release fishing for stripers in the unique shallow water expanse that is the Susquehanna Flats

“The experience of responsible catch and release fishing can not be overstated,” said Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “We hope that this extended season will allow Maryland’s anglers a longer opportunity to enjoy our world-class fishing opportunities under ideal weather conditions.”

Anglers are reminded that any striped bass over 40 inches in length, caught during this period of time in the Susquehanna Flats may be entered into the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge via a catch and release citation form with photo documentation. Photos should be submitted to gherlth@dnr.state.md.us. Entrants will qualify for the chance to win a 2008 Toyota Tundra from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat, motor and trailer from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 worth of gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center. Smyth Jewelers and Boater’s World will be offering valuable prizes during the Diamond Jim portion of the contest. For more information on the Challenge, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge/.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages anglers to take full advantage of Maryland’s spring striped bass season, which opens this Saturday, April 19 and runs through Tuesday, May 13.

“The striped bass season is an excellent opportunity for adults and children to explore Maryland’s waterways together,” said Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “I encourage anglers of all skill levels to take advantage of the mild temperatures that spring grants us.”

During this spring season, only one striped bass 28 inches or greater in length may be kept each day. Catches are also limited primarily to the Bay’s mainstem waters, to allow spawning stock to be undisturbed in the tributary reaches where they proliferate. The regulations are intended to preserve precious spawning stock —the same stock that sustains the population of striped bass along most of the Atlantic Coast —while still offering quality fishing days for Maryland anglers and those who visit our shores.

“Striped bass caught during the season will bring anglers closer to winning prizes in the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge which is currently underway,” added O’Connell.

Citation qualifying striped bass catches over 40 inches in length make anglers eligible to enter the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge featuring Diamond Jim.

The annual tournament runs through September 1, 2008 and offers anglers the opportunity to win a variety of prizes including a Toyota Tundra 4×4 pick-up truck, a Tracker boat, motor and trailer and over $5,000 worth of prizes from Bill’s Outdoor Center. For more information about the contest, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge/.

For all the latest information on fishing in Maryland, please visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce presents its second annual black drum tournament weekend from Friday, May 16, 2008 - Sunday, May 18, 2008 (8:00 AM-6:00 PM) . Cash awards will go to the top three anglers.

The event will be held at:

Bay Creek Resort & Club Marina
1 Marina Village Cir.
Cape Charles, VA 23310

Admission Fee: TBA
Children Welcome
Pets Welcome

For more information contact:
Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce: (757) 787-2460
Fax: (757) 787-8687
Email: info@esvachamber.org
Website:  www.esvachamber.org