Raytheon has been lobbying to open the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, waters outside of
state jurisdiction) to rod and reel fishing for striped bass. It is unclear why
Raytheon wants to open up offshore waters to fishing for a historically inshore
species. A handful of charter boat captains in Nantucket or New Jersey may benefit but
very few others will.
Striper stocks have been deemed recovered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission (ASMFC). This may be true, but we have a long way to go as far as quality is concerned.
Increased commercial pressure will only make the future more uncertain.
The real problem that I see is that other commercial interests such as gillnetters and
trawlers will press for access to the EEZ if it is opened to commercial hook and
line fishing for stripers. They will claim discrimination and lobby even harder.
Opening the EEZ will be opening a can of worms that may have disastrous effects
on the striper fishery. Remember, who will benefit from this? hardly anyone, especially
not recreational fishermen. We should let Raytheon know that we do not care for
their foray into striper management by considering other sources of navigational
electronics. Call or write Raytheon and your reps to ASMFC. Opening the EEZ could
open the door to another disaster. Remember that this is the only truly healthy
inshore species that recreational fishermen have, if they go downhill again we
have nothing left to turn to.
Tom Tero