Chesapeake Bay News

Maryland and Virginia are among Atlantic states that have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on Draft Addendum II to Amendment 6 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. The dates, times, and locations of the scheduled meetings follow:

Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources
June 17, 2010; 7:00 PM
Ocean Pines Library
11107 Cathell Road
Berlin, Maryland
Contact: Carrie Kennedy at (410) 260-8295

July 19, 2010; 5:30 PM
Tawes State Office Building, C1 Conf. Room
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, Maryland
Contact: Carrie Kennedy at (410) 260-8295

Virginia Marine Resources Commission
June 28, 2010; 6:00 PM
2600 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor
Newport News, Virginia
Contact: Jack Travelstead at (757) 247-2247

The Draft Addendum proposes two changes to the striped bass management program: (1) an increase in the coastal commercial quota, and (2) revising the definition of recruitment failure based on Technical Committee advice.

The proposal to increase the coastal commercial quota is intended to improve equality between the commercial and recreational fishery sectors. Although Amendment 6 established management programs for both fisheries based on the same target fishing mortality rate, the implementation of state-specific quotas for coastal commercial harvest (and not for recreational harvest) has prevented the commercial and recreational fisheries from responding equally to changes in striped bass population size. Since 2003, coastal commercial harvest has decreased by 3.6 percent, while recreational harvest has increased by 13.7 percent. Under the option, the Board would select a percent increase to be applied to the coastal commercial allocations assigned in Amendment 6.

The Management Board voted to include a second issue in the Draft Addendum based on information presented at the meeting. As part of its review of the juvenile abundance indices, the Striped Bass Technical Committee recommended to the Management Board a revision to how striped bass recruitment failure is defined. Juvenile abundance indices are an important component of the striped bass monitoring program and are used to determine periods of recruitment failure which can trigger management action under Amendment 6. Adopting the proposed recommendation would result in a fixed value to determine recruitment failure in each surveyed area rather than a value that changes from year to year. Use of either the Amendment 6 definition or the Technical Committee recommendation for recruitment failure does not result in any necessary changes to the current management program.

Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the Draft Addendum, either by attending public hearings or providing written comments. The Draft Addendum can be obtained via the Commission’s website at www.asmfc.org under Breaking News or by contacting the Commission at (202) 289-6400.

Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on October 1, 2010 and should be forwarded to Nichola Meserve, FMP Coordinator, 1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-6051 (FAX) or at nmeserve@asmfc.org (Subject line: Striped Bass Addendum II). For more information, please contact Nichola Meserve, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator at (202) 289-6400 or nmeserve@asmfc.org.

source: ASMFC press release

This is a simple recipe for serving fresh Chesapeake Bay Rockfish and blue crab meat.

Ingredients

2 lbs. fresh rockfish fillets (skin on)
1 lb. Chesapeake Bay lump backfin crab meat
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup crab seasoning
1 lemon (juice and pulp only)
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. chopped parsley
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Line a baking dish with olive oil and place fillets in dish, skin side down.
2. Mix egg, melted butter, mayonnaise, crab seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, parsley and onion.
3. Blend in crab meat.
4. Spread stuffing over fillets and bake at 400 for 5 minutes, until juices begin to boil.
5. Move to broiler, watch closely, broiling until stuffing begins to brown lightly.

Serving suggestions:

This dish is excellent with fresh local vegetables or rice and a white wine.

The eagerly-anticipated spring season for striped bass, locally known as rockfish, opens at 5:00 a.m., Saturday, April 17 2010 in the main stem of Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay south of the mouth of the Patapsco River.

“The epic return of our state fish and the opening of the fishing season mark the true arrival of spring to Maryland waters. This is the time for Maryland families to enjoy the bountiful nature resources that our State has to offer,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin.

The legal fishing areas include the waters of the main stem of the Bay stretching from the Brewerton Channel at the mouth the Patapsco River south to the Virginia line including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. To protect the late-spawning fish, some tributaries to the Bay are closed to striped bass fishing until June 1.

The use of eels as bait is prohibited until May 16. Additionally, DNR fisheries biologists recommend using barbless hooks for the careful release of undersized fish. DNR studies have shown that non-offset circle hooks are less prone to deep hooking fish, particularly when natural bait is used. These same mortality studies show that the use of a de-hooking tool to release the fish at the side of the boat without lifting the fish from the water significantly improves the survival chances of the fish.

“Historically, as much as 90 percent of the entire Atlantic Coast striped bass population returns to Maryland waters to produce the next generation of fish,” says DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “This phenomenon provides anglers an excellent opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime measuring 40 to 50 inches or more. Along with this wonderful opportunity is a responsibility we all share to be careful and thoughtful in handling the fish we intend to release and in doing all we can to ensure a sustainable and robust fishery for the future.”

Beginning Saturday, anglers are allowed one rockfish per day of 28 inches or longer measured from the tip of the tail to the snout through May 16. From May 17 through December 15, the limits change to two fish per angler per day measuring 18 inches or more with only one of those fish measuring more than 28 inches. Possession of striped bass onboard between midnight and 5:00 a.m. is illegal all year.

Anglers who want to continue fishing after catching their striper limits and for those who prefer bottom fishing, the summer flounder season also opens on Saturday and runs through November 22. The creel limit is three fish measuring 19 inches or longer in both Bay and coastal waters.

DNR is encouraging anglers to participate in the online angler surveys for flounder, striped bass, crabs, bluefish, and other species. Those who join the survey will earn a chance at winning a prize from AllTackle.com, Anglers Sport Center, Bass Pro Shops, or other generous outfitters.

This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service will implement new regulations March 22 addressing pre-season striped bass fishing. These restrictions will be in effect until the April 17 start of the spring trophy season. The regulations are being introduced to address a serious concern over sub-lethal impacts on pre-spawn female striped bass, that are moving up the Chesapeake Bay to their spawning grounds in March and April.

“It is never easy to restrict the access and opportunity to a resource, but let’s not forget how far we have come from the striped bass moratorium of 20 years ago,” said DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “We are fortunate that all sectors of our fishing community benefit today from the sacrifices of past management efforts. The latest stock assessment raises some concerns that require us to pause and evaluate how our actions may be impacting the long-term sustainability of this resource. If we remain vigilant and prudent in our management of this resource, we will ensure that our premier striped bass fishery will remain available for us and future generations to enjoy.”

Preseason recreational fishing has increased since 2002 causing concern among fisheries biologists and managers over the potential effect of the stress of being caught, handled, and released.

The restrictions apply in all open catch and release areas. The catch and release fishing areas include the Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia line including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. Spawning rivers and the Upper Bay spawning area are off limits until June 1 to striped bass fishing.

The Preseason Regulations:

- Stinger (trailing) hooks are prohibited.

- Barbless hooks are required when trolling. Simply pinch the barb down to facilitate the careful release of your fish.

- Non-offset circle hooks or J hooks with a gap of less than a half-inch are required when using natural bait.

- No more than 6 lines may be employed while trolling regardless of the number of anglers on board.

The spring trophy season runs from April 17 through midnight on May 15 with a creel of one fish and size limit of 28 inches or longer. The open fishing area includes the Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia line including the Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. From May 16 through December 15, the creel limit is two with a minimum size of 18 inches. However, only one of those two fish may be longer than 28 inches.

To view a chart of open catch and release and spring trophy season areas go to www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/sbrecseasons/sbregmap022.

The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) has announced its 27th Annual Spring Tournament, “Championship on the Chesapeake”, April 30th – May 2nd, 2010. The event is said to be the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country.

“Trophy Season” is marked by the first weekend in May as the coastal stock of striped bass make their way through the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic after spawning in our rivers. With the “Trophy Season” just starting, this tournament is guaranteed to provide three days of fun and excitement on the Bay, as over 650 boats and nearly 4,000 anglers get an opportunity to catch one of these magnificent beauties. The winning fish could be worth $100,000!

All cash and merchandise prizes are for rockfish. The heaviest rockfish on the scales shall be declared the winner of the main tournament. In addition to all main tournament prizes there will be several “Tournament within Tournament” (TWTs) to compete in.

It is important to note that participants can enter in all of the “Tournament within Tournament” (TWTs) to have a chance at the huge cash prize for heaviest rockfish. While this may require more money to enter, this will give anglers a shot at a huge sum of money.

The Spring Tournament is an amateur tournament; however, there is a Professional Division with separate cash prizes and awards. All monies collected from the “Professional Division’s” will be deposited in a special account for their cash prizes. The amateur participants will not have to compete against the Pros.

As the MSSA continues to fight for better fishing in the Bay and elsewhere, the organization asks that participants practice conservation and take part in the “Catch and Release Division” as well. The association asks anglers to release sub-legal rockfish and fish over the daily creel as carefully as possible.

This event is the principle source of revenue for the MSSA. The proceeds from the tournament enable the MSSA to conduct many activities and enhance recreational fishing opportunities for Maryland. The MSSA has been recognized as the “Official Voice of Maryland Recreational Anglers.”

For more information, visit: http://www.mssa.net/championship.html

A celebration of Maryland’s official state fish – the striped bass, commonly known as rockfish is taking place at over 50 restaurants and retail markets throughout the state.  Restaurants, grocery stores, and seafood markets will be offering specials on this delectable fish during the celebration, which last through the end of February.

“Winter is prime time for the delicious Chesapeake Bay rockfish,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “Our commercial fishermen catch the Bay bounty for us to enjoy at home and in restaurants.  It is a tasty and healthy nutritional choice.”

Maryland rockfish fits perfectly into any diet plan.  A three ounce cooked portion contains only 105 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, zero carbohydrates and many good vitamins, minerals and 0.8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3 fatty acids are important for good health.  They help in lowering cholesterol and have many other important benefits for eyes, skin and even mental health.

Rockfish may be prepared in a variety of ways.  A favorite is to simply brush the fish with a small amount of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper then bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes per inch of thickness of fish.  They are also delicious stuffed with crab imperial or an oyster dressing for special occasions or cut up into strips and fried for a tasty treat.

For the best taste and quality look for the following when purchasing fresh rockfish:

* Fresh fish should have a mild sea breeze aroma.

* Whole fish should have bright, clear and shiny eyes.  Scales should be shiny and cling tightly to the skin.  Look for bright pink or red gills.

* Steaks and fillets should be moist with firm and shiny flesh.  The flesh should spring back when pressed.

Look for the special purple, green and silver Maryland Rockfish Celebration buttons and table tents at your favorite restaurant or retail market.  The Maryland Rockfish Celebration is sponsored by Maryland commercial fishermen, seafood processors and the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Try this great recipe for Southwest Rockfish with Rice and Beans.

SOUTHWEST ROCKFISH WITH RICE AND BEANS

2 pounds Maryland rockfish fillets, skinned or skin on
2-3 teaspoons minced garlic
2       teaspoons orange juice
4       teaspoons minced fresh cilantro or parsley
½       teaspoon salt
1       tablespoon vegetable oil

¾       cup long grain rice
1       tablespoon minced garlic
1       tablespoon vegetable oil
2       cups tomato salsa
1½      cups cooked or frozen corn
1       15-ounce can pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
½       cup orange juice
½       teaspoon ground cumin
½       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2       tablespoons minced fresh cilantro or parsley

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place rockfish skinned (or skin) side down in a single layer in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, mix the garlic, orange juice, cilantro, salt and oil. Spoon mixture over rockfish and spread to evenly coat. Cook rice according to package directions and keep warm.

In a heavy, large skillet, heat remaining tablespoon of oil on medium heat for 3 minutes until hot. Add garlic and sauté until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the salsa, corn, beans, orange juice, cumin, and pepper. Cook, uncovered, until hot, 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.

Spoon hot rice into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and top with bean mixture; stir gently to blend. Place rockfish fillets, coated side up, on top of the bean mixture. Bake, uncovered, until the flesh of the rockfish turns white and just begins to flake when tested with a fork, 18 to 20 minutes.  Makes 6 servings.

For a free striped bass recipe brochure and list of participating restaurants and retailers, call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at (410) 841-5972 or toll-free in Maryland 888-841-5828 or visit www.marylandseafood.org.

source: Maryland Department of Agriculture press release

The 2010 East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition is fast approaching, and this year’s show will once again be offering young chefs a chance to show off their skills. This year’s expo will mark the 12th year of the East Coast Junior Waterman’s Show, and all chefs between the ages of 7 and 17 are encouraged to enter their best Rockfish recipes in the 3rd Annual Junior Chefs Rockfish Cook-Off. The top ten finalists will compete in the Cook-Off on Saturday, January 30 in Ocean City, Maryland.

The contest will consist of two age groups, 7 to 12 and 13 to 17. Five finalists will be selected from each age group to compete for cash prizes and plaques. First place will receive $200 and a plaque, second place will receive $100 and a plaque and third place will receive $50 and a plaque. All finalists will receive Rockfish pins, aprons and certificates.

All entries are due by Friday, December 18, 2009. Finalists will be notified by Thursday, January 7, 2010. A daytime phone number is required on all entry forms in order for finalists to be notified. The recipe should be an original entree or main dish. Each finalist will receive two pounds of rockfish fillets to use the day of the competition. All other ingredients and cooking utensils are the contestants’ responsibility. Judging will be based on originality, predominance of Rockfish, taste and texture. Parental permission and supervision must be provided.

The Cook-Off is sponsored by University of Delaware Sea Grant Program, University of Maryland Sea Grant and the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood Marketing Program. For a list of all official rules and regulations, as well as an entry form, please email Doris Hicks at dhicks@udel.edu.

source: mdseafood.org press release

Anglers from Maine to North Carolina made their way to Maryland to test their skills and promote recreational fishing on the Chesapeake Bay as the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) hosted the 17th annual Chesapeake Bay Fall Rockfish Tournament.

Nearly 200 boats carrying over 1000 anglers took to the water to try to reel in the big one for their share of the prize money.  The MSSA set up 7 weigh stations from Sandy Point state park to Point Lookout for anglers to bring in their top fish.

“This tournament, like our others, lures anglers from Maryland and other states to the Bay and gives our local communities a little economic boost and of course gives our members one last chance to participate in a tournament this year,” said Dave Smith, Executive Director of the MSSA.

This was the final tournament in the 2009 MSSA Tournament Series which consists of four total events including the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country.

Robert Harris Jr. of Solomons, MD took home first place with his 47.95 pound rockfish, securing him $44,703 for his efforts.  Harris caught the winning fish on a crippled alewive Saturday morning near 72A.  Harris has been competing in MSSA tournaments, as well as many others all over the East Coast, for almost ten years now.

Lee Tippett of southern Maryland placed second with his 43.25 pound rockfish caught near the gas docks just in front of Solomons, MD.  Tippett will walk away with $18,000 and attributes his success to a Tyler’s Tackle parachute rig.

Third place went to James Rose of Kent Island.  Rose caught his fish near 78A on a 21 Tony early Saturday morning.  Rose and his crew will have a lot to be thankful for this holiday as they take home $4,441.
Also in the money was Frank Hagner of Baltimore who took third place in the Skill Levels with his 41.65 pound rockfish weighed in at Point Lookout state park.  Hagner will be receiving a check worth $7,560 as he entered all of the additional skill levels.  Hagner entered the tournament with his son David Hagner who just recently returned from Afghanistan.

The MSSA gave away almost $75,000 in prize money for the tournament and has increased its participation each year since 1992.

Tournament results will be posted on the MSSA’s website.  Smith said all results are unofficial until he and the Tournament Committee can check and confirm all fish weights and the winners pass their respective polygraph tests.

The MSSA, an organization of 7,000 conservation-minded members and the largest of its kind in the state, is most famous for its advocacy work protecting anglers’ rights and the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country, The Championship on the Chesapeake.  The organization uses these tournaments to promote and encourage recreational fishing in the state of Maryland, with a special focus on the state’s youth.  “We are trying to get kids and adults involved and give them the access and opportunity to get out there and fish”, Smith said.

For more information on this tournament and the MSSA you may visit www.mssa.net

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service will hold a Regulatory Scoping Public Meeting on November 16, 2009 at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401.  DNR is holding the meeting to discuss the striped bass catch and release season.

DNR is looking for public comment on regulatory ideas designed to reduce the impacts of catch and release trolling for large pre-spawn striped bass between March 1 and April 15.  DNR believes conservative management is needed with catch and release pre-season striped bass fishing, as a spokesman told the Sport and Tidal Fish Advisory Commissions on October 20.

Fishing effort has increased during March and April, and the impacts of catch and release on the ability of fish to successfully spawn are uncertain. DNR will post the proposal on the Fisheries Service Web page at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries by November 13.

All interested parties are invited to attend the meeting and give their views. Sign language interpreters and other accommodations will be provided upon request.

source: DNR press release

Three winter striped bass tournaments are coming up in Hampton Roads Virginia.

They are:

ASA National Striper Tournament

Long Bay Pointe Marina
2109 W. Great Neck Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(321) 287-6351
Start Date: 12/12/2009
End Date: 12/12/2009

Tournament Headquarters
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
30th and Pacific Ave
Virginia Beach, VA
757-417-7701

ASA National Striper Tournament American Striper Association, the Nation’s largest Striped Bass Tournament Series, is hosting its 2009 National Tournament to Virginia Beach. The Chesapeake Bay is known as the premier Striped Bass fishery on the East Coast. Expected payouts will exceed $100,000 for the tournament and Angler of the Year awards.
*All boats fishing the Virginia Beach National Tournament will qualify for a $5,000 bonus to be awarded at the Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout.

Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout

828 High Point Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 319-5146
Start Date: 1/07/2010
End Date: 1/09/2010

Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout The 7th Annual Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout returns to Virginia Beach January 7th to the 9th. Get ready to reel as the largest Rockfish Tournament in the country comes to the Beach. Over 1,000 anglers will battle it out for the top bragging rights and a guaranteed CASH prize of $100,000. This year will have two divisions – one for live bait and one for artificial bait.

2nd Annual Virginia Beach Rockfish Frostbite Challenge Tournament

P.O. Box 6807
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 689-2694
(757) 576-4013
Start Date: 1/14/2010
End Date: 1/17/2010

Thursday, January 14th: Registration 4:00pm until 7:00pm, Captains Meeting at 7:00pm with the party rolling until 9:00pm. Awards Banquet will begin at 6:00pm on Sunday, January 17 and run to around 10:00pm, with awards presented at approx. 8:30pm. Give-Aways start at 7:00pm and will continue throughout the night. All events will be hosted by and take place at HOOKS at Rudee Inlet in Va Beach. Weigh scales are at Fisherman’s Wharf Marina and Long Bay Pointe Marina.