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DMF is projecting that 100% of Massachusetts’ 2024 commercial striped bass quota will be taken after Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Accordingly, DMF is closing the 2024 commercial striped bass fishery effective at 0001 hours on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 (Closure Notice). Unless otherwise notified, the commercial striped bass fishery will remain closed until it reopens in 2025.
During this closed period, it is unlawful for fishers to retain, possess, or land striped bass for commercial purposes or in a manner that does not comply with the state’s recreational fishing regulations for the species. The recreational striped bass fishery is subject to a 1-fish per angler daily bag limit and a slot limit of 28” to less than 31”. Recreational fishers are required to use circle hooks when fishing with natural baits and are prohibited from gaffing striped bass.
Commercial fishers are to submit monthly trip-level reports by the fifteenth of the following month, even if their permit was not fished. Failure to submit these reports for all months of the year in a timely manner may result in the non-renewal of a commercial permit and its endorsements in 2025. Electronic reporting is available through the SAFIS applications. Those fishers reporting via paper should mail reports to: DMF Statistics Project, 30 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930 or email to dmf.stats@mass.gov. Additional information can be obtained on the Trip Level Reporting website.
For seafood dealers, during the quota closure it is unlawful to purchase or receive striped bass from commercial fishers. Seafood dealers may continue to possess and sell striped bass imported into Massachusetts from dealers lawfully operating in another state. All striped bass in possession of dealers must comply with the regulations of their jurisdiction of origin and the commercial striped bass tagging requirements.
Seafood dealers are also reminded that DMF will be providing them with a written request to return all unused 2024 Striped Bass ID Tags and submit their annual Tag Accounting Report. If a dealer cannot account for an unused tag, they may provide this information in their Tag Accounting Report. Failure to return or account for unused tags is grounds for DMF to limit a seafood dealer’s ability to obtain striped bass tags and conduct primary purchases of striped bass in future years.
Visit our website: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries
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