About ten years ago, there was a phenomenon experienced by football fans known as “Patriots fatigue.” Always on TV, always the darling of analysts, hard to like, frequently winning in ways that defied mathematical probability or opposing coach logic (Super Bowl LI, anyone?).
I have ASMFC fatigue.
Another draft addendum, another public comment period, another chance for the rogue states of New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware to behave stupidly, blah-blah-blah-blah-blah. (Insert heavy sigh here.)
Nonetheless, we must do our duty and voice our opinion. The goal of all of this is to improve the SSB, or Spawing Stock Biomass. No SSB, no future stripers. Here are the two simple things you need to do. It’ll take you 15 minutes.
First, go to the ASGA website for the conservation-based opinion on what to comment. (Look for the heading “Proposed Management Options in Addendum III). Two, email your comments to the ASMFC. The following is from their website: “The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the proposed management options in this document at any time during the addendum process. There are four ways to submit comments, written comments via this page or the comment@asmfc.org email below, the public comment form, mailed written comments, or attend a public hearing. The final date comments will be accepted is Friday, October 3 at 11:59 p.m. EST.“
currentseams.com 
So, I spent a couple of hours with the ASMFC report last week and agree completely with the ASGA comments. I’d make the additional point that the difference in impact to the fishery between no-harvest and no-targeting is minimal, while the impact on the public (including guides, tackle stores, coastal restaurants and motels, etc) is imo vastly understated in the ASMFC document – leaving aside the unenforcability, which I also agree with. (Targeting? Naw, I’m fishing for bluefish).
Good comment on the 9% mortality. I think that’s based mostly on one study, which was a pretty good one if it’s the one I read, but it’s still only one study and the figure seems high to me.
Of course, the commercials especially in Delmarva are gonna get a pass. The question is, does the ASMFC actually pay attention to any of these comments?
Like I said, ASMFC fatigue. I believe the good citizen route is the right choice. So I’ll continue to comment, and hope….