Federal Government Confirms Red Drum and Striped Bass Gamefish
Status
Announcement affirms 2007 Executive Order signed by President Bush
Alexandria, VA – October
17, 2008 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s
(NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS) announced in the October
17, 2008, Federal
Registerthat the requirements set by Executive
Order 13449 which established striped bass and red drum as gamefish
have been fulfilled. NMFS determined that the current rules banning
the sale of striped bass and red drum caught in federal waters in the
Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico achieve the intent of Executive
Order 13449, signed by President George W. Bush on October 20, 2007.
“This ruling ensures that striped bass and red drum will survive
and grow for generations of anglers to enjoy,” ASA President and
CEO Mike Nussman said. “We are very pleased that NMFS has completed
this ruling ensuring that federal waters will be closed to commercial
fishing for these important gamefish.”
Executive Order 13449 established gamefish status for striped bass and
red drum in federal waters. Gamefish status means that the two species
are provided regulations and management measures to promote their well-being
as a fish sought for recreational fishing and not for sale if caught
in federal waters.
This announcement insures the recreational, economic and environmental
benefits of two of the most popular gamefish in the United States. The
order protects the fisheries in federal waters from commercial harvest,
which include three miles to 200 miles offshore. The Order does not cover
state waters, which go from the coastline to three miles offshore. Many
states have conferred gamefish status for these species and the executive
order encourages those that have not conferred gamefish status to do
so. The announcement on October 17, 2008 signifies that the regulatory
requirements of the executive order were fulfilled.
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The American
Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing
industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the
interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry
a unified voice, speaking out on behalf of sportfishing and boating
industries, state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation
organizations, angler advocacy groups and outdoor journalists when
emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing
business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to
ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard
and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing
in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s 40
million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with
a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment
for over one million people.
