Coast guard cracks down on illegal striped bass fishing

[Striperjim]

Coast guard cracks down on illegal striped bass fishing

• January 15th, 2011 7:38 am ET

The Coast Guard cited several fishing boats off the North Carolina coast Friday for violating laws concerning striped bass, including one vessel that was in possession of 58 illegal stripers.
The Norfolk, Virginia based Coast Guard cutter Beluga stopped and boarded the fishing boats during its patrol of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Fishing for striped bass is allowed within state waters, but catching or possessing striped bass in the EEZ, which begins three nautical miles from shore, is a federal violation. A person caught fishing for striped bass in the EEZ is subject to fines starting at $100 per striper.
“The Coast Guard is working with state law enforcement and the National Marine Fisheries Service to enforce regulations prohibiting fishing for striped bass outside of 3 nautical miles,” said Lt. Kevin Saunders of the 5th Coast Guard District’s enforcement branch in a press release. “By working to curtail the illegal actions of a few fishermen, we can help ensure future generations have the opportunity to participate in this fishery.”
The Coast Guard says that the poor economy combined with weather conditions which have driven striped bass farther offshore are enticing some anglers to break the law. Reports of both commercial and recreational striped bass fishing within the EEZ have led the Coast Guard and NOAA to combined efforts in order to stop the illegal striper fishing.
An Atlantic Striped Bass Reporting Hotline has been established by the Coast Guard at 757-398-6598 and the public is encouraged


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[Striperjim]

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard, state and federal agencies are intensifying efforts to stop the illegal poaching of striped bass off the Atlantic coast this winter season.
In an effort to ensure the health of the striped bass population, the Coast Guard is working to raise awareness of the federal regulations governing striped bass and to increase enforcement efforts to protect the migration and spawning of the fish from illegal poaching activities.
Striped bass populations are moving farther off shore into warmer waters and fishermen are often pursuing the fish beyond the authorized state waters. Atlantic striped bass may not be caught, harvested or possessed in the Exclusive Economic Zone. A person caught fishing for striped bass outside of 3 nautical miles and into the EEZ is subject to fines starting at $100 per fish.
The Coast Guard has established an Atlantic Striped Bass Reporting Hotline at 757-398-6598. The public is encouraged to report any suspected poaching activity to the hotline. Calls should include a description of the activity, those involved, the location and the time of the suspected offense. Such information greatly increases the effectiveness of law enforcement operations.
“The Coast Guard is working with state law enforcement and the National Marine Fisheries Service to enforce regulations prohibiting fishing for striped bass outside of 3 nautical miles,” said Lt. Kevin Saunders of the 5th Coast Guard District’s enforcement branch. “By working to curtail the illegal actions of a few fishermen, we can help ensure future generations have the opportunity to participate in this fishery.”

[Night Crawler]

and the sad thing is, I have been fishing the same water's off NC, for 3 weeks, there are plenty of fish from 1/2 to 2 mile's out this year, there is absolutely no reason to be in the EEZ.

[Mark P]

It seems as though we hear the same things coming from these areas every year.