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Fishing Groups File Federal Lawsuit Over Striped Bass Regulations
The Delmarva Fisheries Association and 14 other state-associated fisheries organizations have filed a federal lawsuit challenging restrictive Atlantic striped bass regulations, coinciding with the start of the Chesapeake Bay striped bass season.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, targets the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) along with the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The suit challenges catch limits that plaintiffs argue are too restrictive for the $7.7 billion striped bass industry.
Robert Newberry, President of the Delmarva Fisheries Association, expressed frustration with the need for legal action. “I can see if it happened over the course of a couple years, but we got railroaded on this, and now it’s time to wake people up and see if we can right this wrong,” Newberry said.
The regulations impact both charter fishing businesses and commercial watermen’s livelihoods across 15 states stretching from Maine to Florida. The lawsuit represents fishing industry organizations along the Atlantic Ocean and its inland waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River Estuary.
Newberry, who also serves as chair of the Delmarva Fisheries Association, is leading the challenge alongside Brian Hardman, chair of the Maryland Charter Boats Association. Both organizations argue that current Maryland state regulations, particularly those concerning striped bass, are overly restrictive.
“I’ve been doing this for 38 years, and having to fight in court for your right to work is absolutely ludicrous,” Newberry stated. “Why do we have to go to the Supreme Court, the Appellate Court, the Federal Court, and the Circuit Court of D.C. They suggested we sue the state and sue the government, so we’re doing that. Whoever it makes mad, well, too bad, and get in line.”
Federal agencies defend the imposed regulations as necessary management tools to address stock shortages and maintain sustainable commercial fisheries. The ASMFC coordinates the conservation and management of coastal fish species shared by the 15 Atlantic coast states.
The legal challenge comes as President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at restoring local fisheries freedoms, which could potentially impact the Fisheries Commission’s previous regulations.
Newberry announced plans to partner with other affected groups, believing collective action will strengthen their position. The plaintiffs claim the regulations have caused revenue drops, forced some companies out of business, and threatened the long-term sustainability of the for-hire fishing industry.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
The lawsuit outcome remains pending as the case proceeds through federal court.
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