NOAA Fisheries Announces 2018 Recreational Rules for Summer Flounder, Black Sea Bass, and Scup
Submitted by Jennifer Goebel
 NOAA Fisheries
announces management
measures for the 2018
summer flounder, black
sea bass, and scup recreational
fisheries.
We are continuing
"conservation equivalency"
for the summer
flounder fishery. This
means we have waived
the federal recreational
bag limit, minimum fish
size, and fishing season,
and fishermen are subject
to regulations in the state
where they land. Please
contact your state for
information on summer
flounder rules.
We are implementing
the following
recreational black sea bass
measures in federal
waters:
- 12.5-inch total length
minimum fish size
- Possession limit of 15
fish per person per
trip
- Open season from
May 15-December 31
(please note: there is
no longer a closure
period from
September 22-October
21)
The scup recreational
fishery measures
are the same as 2017:
- 9-inch total length
minimum size
- Possession limit of 50
fish per person per
trip
- Open all year
Please keep in mind that if
the federal minimum size,
possession limit, and/or
season differ from the regulations
for the state in
which you will landing,
you must follow the more
restrictive regulations.
Boaters Use Caution: Recent Rains Cause High River Levels
Submitted by Paige Pearson
RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia
Department of Game and
Inland Fisheries (DGIF)
would like to advise
recreational boaters to use
extreme caution this week
as unstable weather systems
are leading to flash
flooding in many areas.
Over the past several
days, many areas of
Virginia have received
significant amounts of
rainfall. Not only is the
ground saturated, but the
rivers are at treacherously
high levels. Navigating
rivers in these conditions
can be hazardous due to
significantly higher than
normal water levels and
trash and other debris that
could be floating on the
surface or just below the
waterline.
If you are a
canoer, kayaker or other
recreational boater and
chose to launch on any
river, we are making the
following recommendations:
- We strongly urge you
to think before you
go. Always check
local river conditions.
- Check your local forecast.
Pop-up storms
can cause flash flooding
and water levels
can change drastically
and quickly.
- Be aware that it is
possible that high
water will force the
temporary closing of
some boat ramps.
- Have a good plan and
share your plan with
someone who knows
where you will be and
when to expect you to
return.
- Finally, make sure
you have the proper
equipment onboard
and that you wear a
properly sized and fitted
life jacket. Remember that life
jackets do save lives!
PLEASE DO NOT
DISREGARD SAFETY
MESSAGES.
THEY ARE
THERE TO PROTECT
YOU! |