If you’re a striped bass fisherman and you would like to help fisheries scientists learn more about the fishery and how to conserve these great fish, you may want to consider becoming a DMF citizen scientist. The program is free to join and seeks to learn more about the survival rate of released striped bass with the hop of uncovering some of the reasons why some released fish do not survive.
Due to regulations and conservation-minded anglers, most striped bass are released back to the water after they are caught. Even though most of these fish survive, recreational releases still account for the largest source of mortality for striped bass. DMF is conducting research to understand why some striped bass die after they are released and you can help!
The Department of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is seeking volunteer anglers to record some data while fishing for striped bass this year. Each participant will be given a kit that includes a stopwatch, a digital thermometer, datasheets, and instructions. After sending in your first report, DMF will mail you a pair of aluminum fishing pliers as a thank-you gift. Continued participation will keep you entered into regular raffle drawings for Shimano rod and reel combos!
Signing up for the program and easy and free. The website will ask for your name, address, phone number and email address and ask how often you fish for striped bass. Upon answering the first survey question, the website will ask a few follow-up questions regarding your striped bass fishing habits and then a DMF official will reach out to you before your kit is sent out. The date recorded in this program is certain to shed new light on striped bass release practices and, with any luck, will lead to a stronger understanding of how best to proceed with striped bass conservation, teaching proper catch and release practices and preserving the species for generations to come.
Anyone interested in participating in this program can begin the process by following THIS LINK.
