Contact the state legislature today to support designating striped bass as a game fish

The Situation

Legislation (H.260) has been introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives that seeks to designate striped bass as a game fish in state waters. By designating this species as a game fish, striped bass will be managed solely as recreational fish for the use and enjoyment of the public and will not be available for commercial harvest and sale. This measure will ultimately improve the quality of recreational fishing and boost the state’s economy.

Striped bass are already a game fish in federal waters and in several states including Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine, where game fish status has resulted in benefits to striped bass populations and recreational fishing.

Striped bass are a prized catch and the nation’s largest marine recreational fishery, contributing significantly to coastal economies and attracting anglers from across the country and abroad. These popular and valuable sportfish must be conserved for future generations to enjoy. H.260 will limit these fish to recreational take, improving the quality of recreational fishing and boosting their economic impact in Massachusetts.

Recent Action

At the February 28 hearing of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, legislators spent six hours debating H. 260 and hearing testimony both for and against the bill.