State of New Hampshire
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2006

CONSERVATION OFFICERS CATCH STRIPED BASS POACHERS

Durham , NH . – During the summer months, thousands of saltwater anglers head for New Hampshire 's seacoast region in search of prized striped bass that migrate through our coastal and estuarine waters each year. Peak fishing generally occurs from June through September.

In order to conserve and manage the striper population, regulations are in place designed to support a recreational fishery and promote a healthy population.

The rules allow for an angler to keep two fish per day, but they must be a minimum length of 28 inches. Only one fish may exceed 40 inches.

In recent weeks, conservation officers have stepped up efforts to catch poachers determined to exceed the daily bag limits and keep sub-legal stripers known as “Schoolies” . Conservation officers from across the state have traveled to the seacoast region to help with the initiative.

Over the last two months, officers have apprehended over 20 poachers for striped bass violations and seized over 50 illegal fish. In addition, they have apprehended several fishermen for illegal lobster possession, littering, and drug possession.

According to Lt. John Wimsatt, who supervises the seacoast district, a combination of factors have contributed to the success of these law enforcement initiatives.

“Local and visiting conservation officers scheduled to work the coast to conduct state and federal fisheries enforcement are funded in part by federal monies provided through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and by Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office for Law Enforcement (NOAA OLE). Without this important funding, we would not be able to provide for the additional patrols.”

“We have also had excellent support from the seacoast community. Our staff has received numerous calls from the public reporting illegal striped bass and lobster fishing activity. Calls to the Operation Game Thief tip line have resulted in apprehension of several violators”

Wimsatt stresses that the vast majority of fishermen voluntarily comply with the regulations and support the efforts of our agency and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

For more information about the striped bass fishery or to view the regulations, log on to www.wildlife.state.nh.usYou can also pick up a copy of the regulations at our regional office in Durham or at sport shops in the seacoast region.

To report poachers please call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-344-4262

You may remain anonymous. The tip line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.