Striped Bass Management in Rhode Island

The management of highly migratory marine species is a difficult and complex task. No creature better represents the myriad problems faced by those attempting interstate fisheries management than the striped bass of the Atlantic coast. Their high stock levels in the late 1960s attracted unprecedented attention from commercial and sport fishermen alike. The dramatic crash of these stocks in the late 1970s, subsequent attempts at coastwide management, eventual Federal intervention and finally the rebound of the Atlantic striped bass population is an interesting case study. This paper will focus on what transpired in the State of Rhode Island during this dynamic period. Initially, it will cover background information on the natural history of the striped bass, discuss inter-jurisdictional fisheries management in general, review the actions of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and finally address the management of the striper in Rhode Island\u27s waters