Unified Striped Bass Management Program

Number: 1977-28

WHEREAS, in order to survive, the striped bass or rock fish populations must have a dominant hatch every six years, and results from the 1976 hatch show it is insufficient; and

WHEREAS, man continues to pollute and poison spawning grounds of striped bass with a bewildering variety of chemicals such as PCB’s and Kepone; and

WHEREAS, harvesting techniques of commercial fishermen permit the taking of big brood fish; and

WHEREAS, existing laws and regulations do not adequately protect the species, and state statues are inconsistent;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 24-27, 1977, in Washington, D.C., hereby calls upon the federal and state agencies responsible to develop a unified striped bass management program which stresses fisheries conservation practices protecting immature fish and requires uniform regulations on the harvest, in both inland waters and with the 200-mile U.S. fisheries zone; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization urges the appropriate agencies to initiate and complete any scientific studies which may be necessary to ensure the sound management of striped bass throughout its ranges; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation calls upon sport and commercial fishermen alike to lend their vigorous support those governmental agencies which are endeavoring to curb and eliminate chemical pollution.