Striped Bass Fishing in the Block Island Transit Zone: Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Request for Comments
Overview
Description
Atlantic striped bass fishery in Block Island Transit Zone
Fishing Type
Recreational
Action Status
Notice
Published
10/04/2018
Point of Contact
Kelly Denit
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is considering removal of the current prohibition on recreational Atlantic striped bass fishing in the Block Island Transit Zone. The Transit Zone is defined as the area of federal
waters within Block Island Sound, located north of a line connecting Montauk Light, between
areas south of Montauk Point, New York, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode
Island; and west of a line connecting Point Judith Light, Point Judith, Rhode Island, and Block
Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island. It is unique because it is a small area of federal waters substantially bounded by state waters.
Existing federal regulations prohibit recreational and commercial fishing for Atlantic striped bass in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); however, fishermen may possess and transport Atlantic striped bass caught in adjoining state fisheries while crossing the Block Island Transit Zone.
We are requesting public comment on the removal of the prohibition on recreational fishing for striped bass and on other options to improve management of Atlantic striped bass in the Transit Zone. The public comment period is now open.
Submit Comments
- Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
- By U.S. Mail: Submit written comments to Kelly Denit, Division Chief, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
- Fax: (301) 713-1193; Attn: Kelly Denit.
Next Steps
NOAA Fisheries will review all public comments and consult with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to consider whether regulatory revisions are appropriate. All proposed regulatory revisions would be published in a proposed rule in the Federal Register for public comment. After a review of the public comments on the proposed rule and if appropriate, NOAA Fisheries will publish a final rule in the Federal Register to implement the regulatory revisions.