(ARLINGTON, VA)—The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted today to close the trophy striped bass fishing season this spring following concerns about the striped bass population. Virginia's fall striped bass season remains unchanged. Next week the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will consider a striped bass stock assessment that is expected to show that strong action is needed to conserve the fishery.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist Chris Moore issued the following statement.
"We commend the Commonwealth of Virginia for taking this proactive measure to help protect some of the most important fish in the striped bass population. These large fish are key to helping increase the population moving forward. Closing the spring trophy season signals that Virginia is serious about taking the actions necessary to rebuild the health of this iconic species in the Bay and our coastal waters."
