


Stage set for critical public hearing on striped bass seasonal closures


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New Jersey Anglers Hear Proposed Striped Bass Restrictions at Stafford Public Hearing
Stafford, NJ – September 12, 2025 – Anglers, conservationists and local officials gathered early this morning at the Stafford Community Center for a public hearing on the “ASMFC Draft Addendum 7,” a proposed set of regulations aimed at tightening the management of New Jersey’s striped bass fishery. The meeting, announced by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) several weeks ago, was part of a broader effort to curb the over‑exploitation of a species that has been under pressure for more than a decade.
The addendum, available in PDF format on the NJDEP website, proposes a host of changes designed to promote long‑term sustainability. Key among them are a reduction in bag limits from five to three striped bass per day, a new minimum length requirement of 34 inches for all fishing methods, and a seasonal “closed window” from July 1 through September 15. The draft also outlines a temporary “catch‑and‑release” policy for any bass caught below the 34‑inch threshold, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism from the fishing community.
“We’re at a point where the striped bass population has rebounded significantly after a prolonged decline, but we cannot let that momentum evaporate,” said state wildlife biologist Daniel Ruiz, who moderated the hearing. “The proposed addendum is a cautious, science‑based approach to ensure the fishery remains healthy for future generations.”
Public Participation and Diverse Voices
In keeping with New Jersey’s open‑government ethos, the hearing was open to the public and attracted a mix of stakeholders. Early in the session, local angler groups represented themselves with brief, impassioned speeches. “We’ve been fishing these waters for decades,” said Marjorie Chen of the South Jersey Anglers’ Guild. “We understand the need for conservation, but we also need to make sure that regulations aren’t overreaching.”
Conversely, representatives from the New Jersey Conservation League voiced concerns that the addendum’s seasonal closure could negatively impact local tourism and the livelihoods of small‑scale fishermen. “The July to mid‑September window is peak season for recreational fishing, and the closures could hurt businesses that depend on this traffic,” said Laura Martinez, the organization’s regional director.
State officials responded that the timing of the seasonal lock had been chosen based on recent fishery surveys that indicated a sharp rise in juvenile striped bass spawning in late summer. “The data show that juvenile fish are most vulnerable during this period,” said Ruiz. “A temporary pause on fishing will give them a better chance to mature.”
Background and Scientific Rationale
The new draft addendum follows the successful implementation of ASMFC Draft Addendum 6 last year, which introduced stricter size limits and a “catch‑and‑release” policy for fish under 30 inches. The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife had been monitoring the striped bass population since the species was listed as a “species of concern” by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2013. While the population has rebounded from an estimated 8,000 fish in the early 2010s to around 12,000 in 2025, the NJDEP notes that the fishery remains vulnerable to environmental changes such as ocean warming and hypoxia.
The ASMFC, an interstate commission that includes representatives from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, coordinates fishery regulations across the Atlantic Coast. Its role is to balance ecological health with economic interests, and the draft addendum reflects this dual mandate. “We’re not proposing this for the sake of regulation,” said ASMFC Chairwoman Susan Lee. “It’s a response to the latest scientific data and community input.”
Next Steps and Public Comment Period
The hearing concluded with a brief Q&A session and a reminder that the draft addendum will be available for public comment until October 10, 2025. The NJDEP plans to review all submissions and may adjust the regulations accordingly before formal adoption. The final version will be posted on the NJDEP website and announced at a second hearing scheduled for November 14 in Camden.
According to the Department’s website, the public hearing was streamed live, and the recorded video is available for those who could not attend in person. The hearing’s minutes and a summary of the comments received are also posted, giving community members a clear view of how their feedback may shape the final rule.
Impact on Local Communities
For Stafford and neighboring towns, the potential changes carry economic and cultural weight. “Fishing isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life and an economic engine for our region,” said local business owner Thomas Green, who runs a bait shop on Route 70. “We’ll have to adapt, but we’re committed to supporting a healthy fishery for the future.”
The Department’s press release noted that a revised fishing license fee structure might accompany the new regulations, aiming to offset potential revenue losses from decreased fishing activity during the closed window. “We want to be transparent about any financial implications,” said Ruiz. “Our goal is to find a balance that protects the fishery while sustaining local economies.”
Conclusion
The ASMFC Draft Addendum 7 hearing in Stafford highlighted the complex intersection of ecology, economics, and community values that underpins New Jersey’s fishery management. While the proposed changes promise to safeguard the striped bass population, they also raise questions about short‑term economic impacts and angler access. As the public comment period unfolds, stakeholders from all corners of the state will have the opportunity to shape the final rule that could dictate the state’s fishing landscape for years to come.
Read the Full app.com Article at:
[ https://www.app.com/story/sports/outdoors/fishing/hook-line-and-sinker/2025/09/12/nj-fishing-reports-striped-bass-asmfc-draft-addendum-7-stafford-nj-public-hearing/86090852007/ ]