Today the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council launched its much-anticipated initiative to develop a vision and strategic plan for the region's managed fisheries. While the Council has effectively rebuilt its managed fisheries over the last 35 years, it still faces long-term challenges, such as maintaining productive ecosystems and addressing the needs of communities that rely on ocean resources.

"This is a pivotal moment in the management of our region's fisheries. We have spent most of the past 35 years successfully rebuilding fish stocks in the Mid-Atlantic, and now that these stocks are rebuilt we need to work closely with our constituents to develop a cohesive vision for the future. This will enable us to identify successful outcomes for our fisheries and the fishing communities that depend on their continued resilience and productivity,” said Council Chairman Rick Robins.

The Council's first and most important step toward developing the vision and long term strategic plan is seeking the public's input. A survey has been posted to the Council's website (http://www.mafmc.org/vision/) for the public to begin providing their thoughts, ideas, and comments on fisheries management policies and processes. The survey, which includes opportunities to provide detailed input on each fish species managed by the Council, will be available until January 31, 2012.

In addition to the survey, over the next several months Council staff will be visiting coastal communities to hear from constituents and those most affected by the Council’s decisions. A list of these locations and events will be posted and frequently updated on the Council's website.
"This is a completely stakeholder-driven initiative and our number one priority is to hear from our constituents. They will determine how the vision and strategic plan are developed. Their input will have a real impact on how our fisheries are managed in the future," added Council Executive Director Dr. Christopher M. Moore.

For more information and/or to get involved visit http://www.mafmc.org/vision/ or contact Mary Clark at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (302) 526-5261.800 N State St., Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901 Phone (302) 674-2331 * FAX (302) 674-5399

Just before sunrise on June 5th, Jack Merwede, from Lavallette and Whiting, hooked in to a striped bass of a lifetime while fishing with colleague Mike Chizhik on his 22' Shamrock.

After having run in to large school of bunker at the mouth of the Shark River in Avon, Snag-and-Drop was the order of the day. Two 25 lbers were already in the boat when Jack decided to try a unique surf  fishing technique currently under development. Jack used a fish-finder type rig with an 8/0 Octopus Circle, 3 ounce weight and bunker chunk on the end of a 7' Ugly Stick with a Shimano 3500 Baitclicker, spooled with Power Pro. Certainly more of a fluke rod than a striper rig.  Of course Murphy's Law prevailed as the monster bass picked up the chunk from the bottom and took off for parts unknown. Fortunately, Mike's boat handling expertise afforded some time to catch up with the brute and wear her out . After a 20 minute chase and struggle, the 50 inch-50 pound trophy was brought to the boat. This fish was Jack's lifetime best by almost 19 lbs.