Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

Governor Weld Intervenes in Move to Help Conserve Striped Bass Stocks

Mark Alan Lovewell | Friday, April 7 1995 - 3:52pm

In a last minute effort, the Governor of Massachusetts yesterday intervened in a successful effort to convince the state marine fisheries commission to remain conservative in adopting striped bass management for the coming season.

In a three hour meeting, held in Weston, state officials after lengthy discussion adopted a uniform 34-inch minimum size for the catching of striped bass for both recreational and commercial fishermen. This represents a drop in two inches from last year's minimum.

Striped bass

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

Fisheries Meeting Slated for Tisbury

Mark Alan Lovewell

The state advisory commission that manages saltwater fisheries in our waters, under the Massachusetts State Division of Marine Fisheries, will hold a meeting Thursday, May 10, 11 a.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in the Tisbury Town Hall. It is rare for the commission to meet here — they meet nine times a year and almost always on the mainland. The director of the division, Paul Diodati, will also attend along with the commissioners and division staff.

Fishing Permit Extension

The Division of Marine Fisheries has extended 2011 commercial fishing and dealer permits through January 31, 2012. New permits will be required on February 1. Permit holders must submit all outstanding 2011 monthly trip-level reports in order to receive a new permit. Going forward, permit holders who do not comply with 2012 reporting requirements may be unable to renew their licenses or may be subject to fines.

Fewer Fishermen, More Fluke, Season Fails to Hit State Quota

Mark Alan Lovewell

There apparently is a lot more Vineyard sole left to be fished.

For the first time, Massachusetts commercial fishermen failed this year to reach their quota for harvesting fluke. As a result, the commercial fluke fishery, which normally closes by the end of the summer, is still open.

Dan McKiernan, deputy director of the state Division of Marine Fisheries, called it a “success story.” But local fishermen said the facts are more complicated.

More Striped Bass Spawn in Chesapeake, Offering Hope for Rising Stocks Here

Peter Brannen

Striped bass were scarce at this year's derby, following a trend in recent years, but Vineyard fishermen may have reason for optimism after two major stock assessments have shown a record or near-record number of spawning fish in the Chesapeake Bay.

Atlantic Mackerel Can’t Stand Heat in Our Waters

Mark Alan Lovewell

Warming waters around Martha’s Vineyard have discouraged what once were abundant fish. Top fisheries scientists with the National Marine Fisheries Service recently released a report citing the dramatic influence changing climate has had on at least one of the fish that used to spend a lot of time in these waters: Atlantic mackerel.

Atlantic mackerel have shifted away from the Vineyard and now are found more east and northeast, according to the report.

‘Scary’ Decline In Striper Stocks

Peter Brannen

A drastic decline in striped bass stocks has state and federal officials scrambling to protect the fish, but many recreational fishermen say the government isn’t moving fast enough.