Maryland officials have rolled out a set of updates to commercial striped bass regulations aimed at improving flexibility for fishermen while keeping overall harvest limits intact.
According to a report by Coast TV, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the changes to address long-standing challenges with quota access and permit transfers in both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean striped bass fisheries.
One of the key updates increases the allocation cap for the Chesapeake Bay commercial striped bass fishery from 1.5 percent to 2 percent. The cap limits how much of the total annual quota a single license holder can temporarily control. With adjustment, fishermen can now hold an additional 0.5 percent quota through temporary transfers- an effort shaped in part by feedback from the Striped Bass Industry Advisory Workgroup, which flagged issues tied to permit consolidation and restricted transfer opportunities.
DNR also revised rules governing how permits, quota shares, and allocations can be transferred. Previously, mismatches in the timelines between the commercial fishing license year (Sept. through August) and striped bass permit year (Jan. through Dec.) created complications. In some cases, individuals held permits without an active commercial license, leaving quota unusable and locked out of transfer.
Under the new framework, permanent license holders cannot transfer striped bass permits or allocations even if their commercial license has been temporarily transferred. Additionally, individuals whose temporary license has expired- but who still hold a valid striped bass permit- are now allowed to transfer those permits or associated quota to an actively licensed fisherman.
State officials say the updates are designed to improve efficiency and help ensure more of the annual quota is harvested before the season closes. The total allowable catch remains unchanged and continues to be set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
The rule changes apply to Maryland commercial license holders participating in the striped bass fishery.
