The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (Department) is suspending indefinitely the Bonus Striped Bass Program beginning in 2020. The 2018 ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Stock Assessment concluded that the stock is overfished and experiencing overfishing. As a result, Connecticut and other coastal states will be implementing measures in 2020 to reduce striped bass harvest. In light of the overfished condition of the coastal striped bass stock and the need to reduce harvest, the Department has decided to suspend the Bonus Striped Bass Program until the stock recovers. Low rates of program participation, as evidenced by low numbers of Striped Bass Bonus Program Voucher returns in recent years, also contributed to the Department’s decision to suspend the Striped Bass Bonus Program.
For further information, contact the DEEP Marine Fisheries Program by email at deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov, by mail at P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or by telephone at 860.434.6043 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
