The interstate fisheries management is requiring 20.7 to 33 percent reductions in the recreational quota for popular Northeast species black sea bass and scup. (porgies). Fluke (summer flounder) on the other hand will receive a 16.5 percent liberalization.
The 33 percent reduction for porgies equates to a 1 inch increase in the size limit for the species. This means that if these preliminary proposals are approved, the size limit for the 2022 season will sit at 11 inches compared to 10 inches last year.
For black sea bass, three options have been proposed for the 2022 season. All three of these options will require a 1 inch in size limit for black sea bass, setting the proposed mark at 16 inches. Option one also calls for a 1 fish decrease in the possession limit for the second half of the season, bringing the possession down from 7 to 6 fish per person. Option two and three also call for slightly shorter seasons when compared to the 2021 regulations.
The popular summer flounder amongst recreational fishermen will receive a 20.7 percent increase in recreational quota. Three option have been laid out by the NYSDEC and they will effect Connecticut and New York marine waters if they pass.
Option one for fluke calls for a 1 inch decrease in size limit in comparison to 2021, a one fish decrease in bag limit from 3 to 4 fish and one less day in the recreational season. Option two would see a half inch size reduction with a one fish increase to 5 fish per angler and status quo on the open season. Option three would follow suit to option two with a half inch size reduction but would remain status quo on the bag limit while increasing the season in the fall by 10 days to October 9th.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Management Board will approve proposals on March 24th.