ASMFC striped bass board posts November meeting materials; management objectives up for possible action
The ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board posted materials for its November 2026 annual meeting on October 26. The agenda lists possible action on the Management Objectives Process, the step in ASMFC procedure where the board can formally vote on Draft Addendum III. Striped bass is declared overfished; any addendum adopted in November would drive 2027 state regulations coastwide.
The ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board posted materials for its November 2026 annual meeting on October 26. The agenda includes a report from the Management Objectives Process Steering Committee with possible action flagged, and an Annual Data Update from the Technical Committee. The November annual meeting is the scheduled venue where the board can formally vote on management addenda. Full meeting materials are at asmfc.org.
In ASMFC procedure, a possible-action item at an annual meeting is where the board can vote to adopt, modify, or table a management addendum. Draft Addendum III to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass has been in development through 2026. If the board votes to adopt it, the addendum establishes updated coastwide management measures; state marine fisheries agencies then begin rulemaking to implement those changes in 2027. The Management Objectives Process report from the Steering Committee is the document framing what the board will be asked to decide.
Striped bass is declared overfished under the ASMFC Interstate FMP. The 2025 stock assessment confirmed the stock has not rebuilt to target biomass. Maryland's 2026 Young-of-Year index came in at 5.5 per On The Water's report citing Maryland DNR, the eighth consecutive year below the long-term average of 10.8 and the highest since 2018. The Technical Committee's Annual Data Update at the November meeting will present the current stock picture against the rebuilding schedule, which is the basis the board uses to evaluate what management changes to adopt.
The board vote and any adopted motions will appear in official meeting summaries posted at asmfc.org after the meeting closes. State regulations for 2027 would follow from any adopted addendum; check each state's marine fisheries agency page for implementation timing. Current fall harvest rules are at /regulations/. The ASMFC striped bass species page at asmfc.org/species/atlantic-striped-bass carries the current management status and addendum documents.
On the water: Rules and conditions can change quickly. Confirm current regulations and official marine forecasts for your exact trip.