03-08-2007, 10:37 PM
Fluke Regulations for 2007 Under Scrutiny—Now We Wait
By Captain Morgan
Published on 3/8/2007
The room filled quickly as another row of chairs tried to accommodate a standing-room-only crowd. In the mix were![[Image: angler.gif]](http://cthuntnfish.com/images/smiles/angler.gif)
s ![[Image: fishing.gif]](http://cthuntnfish.com/images/smiles/fishing.gif)
from shore and boat, as well as those earning a living from chartering and tackle shops. Conversations flowed and thoughts exchanged as temperatures were taken on the topic at hand. It was the night of a public informational hearing on 2007 recreational summer flounder (fluke) fishery measures conducted by Eric Smith, DEP director of marine fisheries.
Options pertaining to size/creel limits, open season, and whether or not to seek regionalization of this fishery with neighboring states were discussed. A regional management approach of fluke would set uniform limits and seasons. If adopted, Connecticut would be faced with a 37 percent cut instead of only a 17 percent reduction in a “state-only” approach. In the long run, regionalizing would probably benefit rebuilding this stock, however, it didn't take long for fishermen's minds to meld suggesting this may not be the time as many felt the cost to Connecticut recreationals would be too great.
Connecticut was within its harvest target while Rhode Island and New York exceeded theirs by about 45 percent. As a result, this year's numbers are extremely favorable to Connecticut when assessing a regulation change to meet the mandatory harvest reduction set forth by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Generally, feeling was for a longer season, although conservation value lies more with an open season than other factors. A shorter minimum size was secondary, leaving the creel limit to fall in place. By opting for a shorter minimum size, it was thought the mortality rate of returned fish would be less. After all the numbers are crunched and options are digested, we probably can look forward to a May 1 through Sept. 19 open season, a creel limit of three or four fish, and a 17 1/2- to 18-inch minimum length.
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By Captain Morgan
Published on 3/8/2007
The room filled quickly as another row of chairs tried to accommodate a standing-room-only crowd. In the mix were
s from shore and boat, as well as those earning a living from chartering and tackle shops. Conversations flowed and thoughts exchanged as temperatures were taken on the topic at hand. It was the night of a public informational hearing on 2007 recreational summer flounder (fluke) fishery measures conducted by Eric Smith, DEP director of marine fisheries. Options pertaining to size/creel limits, open season, and whether or not to seek regionalization of this fishery with neighboring states were discussed. A regional management approach of fluke would set uniform limits and seasons. If adopted, Connecticut would be faced with a 37 percent cut instead of only a 17 percent reduction in a “state-only” approach. In the long run, regionalizing would probably benefit rebuilding this stock, however, it didn't take long for fishermen's minds to meld suggesting this may not be the time as many felt the cost to Connecticut recreational
s would be too great. Connecticut was within its harvest target while Rhode Island and New York exceeded theirs by about 45 percent. As a result, this year's numbers are extremely favorable to Connecticut when assessing a regulation change to meet the mandatory harvest reduction set forth by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Generally, feeling was for a longer season, although conservation value lies more with an open season than other factors. A shorter minimum size was secondary, leaving the creel limit to fall in place. By opting for a shorter minimum size, it was thought the mortality rate of returned fish would be less. After all the numbers are crunched and options are digested, we probably can look forward to a May 1 through Sept. 19 open season, a creel limit of three or four fish, and a 17 1/2- to 18-inch minimum length.
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