[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO PROHIBIT THE COMMERCIAL HARVESTING OF 
                         ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation to prohibit 
the commercial harvesting of Atlantic striped bass in the coastal 
waters and the exclusive economic zone of the United States. This 
legislation would grant protections to this species that would enable 
coastal populations to return to historical abundances.
  The Atlantic striped bass is a valuable resource along the Atlantic 
coast and is one of the most important fisheries for recreational 
anglers within the sixth Congressional District of New Jersey. As 
ranking member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, 
and Oceans, I have a long history of involvement in protecting, 
preserving, and enhancing the striped bass fishery. It is in this 
spirit that I would like to designate the striped bass as a federal 
game fish. This bill would prohibit the commercial harvesting of 
striped bass and reserve this resource for recreational catches only, 
thereby ensuring a healthy and sustainable recreational fishery.
  The recovery of the striped bass fishery since the crash of the late 
1970's is an example of successful state and federal cooperation and 
angler support over the last two decades. The population rebound is 
encouraging, but a recent Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 
decision to both increase the commercial quota and open the exclusive 
economic zone to striped bass fishing could lead to serious 
consequences for striped bass. I feel that this decision is too much, 
too soon, and it is imprudent to subject the fishery to these 
intensified demands. I believe we must take precautionary measures now 
to avoid the potential threat of a collapse in the future.
  In the interest of responsible conservation and sustainable 
recreational fisheries, I support the goal of making striped bass a 
game fish along the entire coast. I believe that this is the only way 
we can truly ensure the future of this important species.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to 
protect the Atlantic striped bass, a species that maintains an 
immensely popular recreational fishery. I appreciate this opportunity 
to convey my concerns about the management of this prized fishery, and 
I look forward to continuing my involvement in ensuring sound policy 
decisions.

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