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The commissioners voiced opposition to the Fishery Management Plan amendment that proposes a 12% reduction in the harvest of striped bass.

They said the changes would reduce the commercial fishing industry’s ability to harvest striped bass by 58%.

The letter objected to new regulations allowing catch-and-release fishing from January through May, a period that has been closed the past six years to protect spawning fish. The commissioners said the policy contradicts the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ proposal last year to safeguard spawning stock biomass with a 2029 recovery goal.

They added that Kent County’s recreational and charter boat industry would be hurt by a non-targeting closure from July 15 to Aug. 31, when boats would be prohibited from catching rockfish. That closure normally lasts two weeks.

“This is unnecessary and will create significant hardships for the industry, economic tourism in the county and income generated by fishers,” the letter stated.

ECONOMIC IMPACTCommission President Ron Fithian, a longtime waterman, said they have already heard of cancellations and reductions in reserved trips for charter boats.

“The economic impact on our county and its waterfront businesses will bear financial losses,” Fithian said. “It will erode the economic growth we have worked so hard to develop.”

Although the fisheries have faced regulatory reductions in the past, commissioners called the latest proposals a “tipping point,” predicting some food businesses may close for good.

Commissioner John Price said, “Unfortunately the Department of Natural Resources is not going to be satisfied until they run the commercial watermen and charter boats out of business.”

Price compared the situation to waterfowl hunting, where DNR has allowed Sunday hunting instead of providing a rest and nesting period for birds.

Fithian said he has fought similar issues his entire life, calling it “death by a thousand cuts.” He said DNR enacts new regulations year after year without evidence to support them.

The letter concluded with a call for state officials to support Kent County’s small business community: “Kent County is open for business, and we want to keep it that way.”

INDUSTRY RESPONSERob Newberry, chair of the Delmarva Fisheries Association, said the proposed amendment makes changes to Maryland’s recreational season baseline that are harmful to both commercial and charter operations.

He accused the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, DNR and the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland of hypocrisy, saying their policies disturb spawning rockfish while claiming to conserve them.

“If they allow rockfish to be disturbed during the spawning season, they are not conserving anything,” Newberry said. “It’s counterproductive.”

He criticized the Coastal Conservation Association, saying its actions prioritize finances and recreation over fish health and the industry’s future.

Newberry said if the amendment is passed the industry will face “severe limitations.”

“It’s a complete disaster,” he said. “And it is inexplicable.”

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Newberry emphasized that no final decision has been made. A public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23 at the Michael E. Busch Library in Annapolis, which has a seating capacity of 200.

“We are trying to get as many to attend as possible to tell DNR we do not support this amendment,” Newberry said.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will meet Oct. 23-24 to make its final decision.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Associate Director Michael Luisi said since the commissioners’ letter was addressed to Kurtz, a response will come following review by the agency’s Office of Communications.