Number: 1982-14
WHEREAS, pressures on this limited resource are strong and increasing due to the high market value of marine striped bass and growth of recreational and commercial fishing industry, despite a decline in population levels;
WHEREAS, the major Chesapeake Bay spawning areas have not produced a dominant year class of the species since 1970; and
WHEREAS, the species and its fishery occur predominantly within three (3) miles of the coast from Maine to North Carolina, management jurisdiction for marine striped bass resides with the states rather than the Federal Government; and
WHEREAS, this coastal migratory stock is subject to varying laws and regulations of twelve (12) states and two (2) interstate commissions with a lack of coordination or cooperation; and
WHEREAS, many attempts have been made to manage this fishery in the past, but these attempts thus far have been unsuccessful. The present magnitude and efficiency of both commercial and recreational fisheries may deplete the resource levels from which recovery is slow or impossible; and
WHEREAS, funding for research is too limited and uncoordinated;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 18-21, 1982, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hereby recognizes that the migratory marine striped bass which ranges from Maine to North Carolina is a species in need of stronger management efforts, including greater cooperation among the states and commissions responsible for its welfare; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization stresses the vital and urgent need for continued funding under present legislation to satisfactorily conclude the mandate encompassed in the Chafee amendment to Public Law 89-304.