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ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Sustainable fisheries Goal Implementation Team voted this week to reduce the 2024 summer flounder quota for the Chesapeake Bay, but some stakeholders argue the action doesn’t go far enough to protect the struggling species. The decision, made during a meeting on May 16, 2024, sets a 28% reduction in the Bay’s allocation of summer flounder.
The reduction translates to a total allowable catch of approximately 19,700 pounds for recreational anglers in the Chesapeake Bay during the 2024 season, down from roughly 27,300 pounds in 2023. The season will remain open from May 22 through December 31, with a daily limit of four fish per angler and a minimum size of 17.5 inches.
The decision follows a recent stock assessment conducted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), which revealed concerning declines in the summer flounder population along the Atlantic coast. The assessment indicated that the stock is overfished and experiencing overfishing, prompting calls for more aggressive conservation measures.
The Chesapeake Bay Program’s team considered several options, including a complete closure of the fishery within the bay. Ultimately, thay opted for the 28% reduction, coupled with a potential redistribution of the quota throughout the fishing season to mitigate peak fishing pressure. This potential redistribution would involve adjusting the allowable catch by month, a strategy discussed during the meeting.
Steve Atkinson, representing the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, expressed disappointment with the outcome. “We do believe a possible redistribution of the current bay quota by month, as discussed in their meeting, could help reduce fishing intensity at critical times of the year,” Atkinson stated. “However, given what we now know, we believe the reduction fishery should be moved out of the Bay until science can show it is not causing harm.”
Summer flounder, also known as fluke, are a popular target for recreational anglers in the Chesapeake Bay. The species is a flatfish that inhabits sandy and gravelly bottoms, preying on smaller fish and crustaceans. Their lifecycle involves migration patterns along the Atlantic coast, making them vulnerable to fishing pressure in multiple jurisdictions.
The ASMFC coordinates fisheries management along the Atlantic coast, working with individual states to develop and implement conservation plans.The Chesapeake Bay Program, a regional partnership led by the Environmental Protection Agency, focuses on restoring and protecting the Bay’s ecosystem, including its fisheries resources. The current situation highlights the complex challenges of balancing recreational fishing opportunities with the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of valuable fish stocks.
an adult osprey heads back to its nest with a freshly caught meal
