HJ 4
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
First Reader
House Joint Resolution 4 (Delegate Crosby)
Rules and Executive Nominations
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission - Atlantic Menhaden - Population
Evaluation and Prohibition on Commercial Reduction Fishing
This joint resolution requests that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
(ASMFC) (1) evaluate the population of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay and
(2) in order to maintain a sustainable Atlantic menhaden fishery, consider prohibiting the
commercial reduction fishing of Atlantic menhaden, including the use of purse seines and
spotter planes, in the Chesapeake Bay.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None. The bill does not directly affect State finances.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law:
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
Maryland is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact, which is enacted
in State statute. The purpose of the compact is to promote the better utilization of the
fisheries – marine, shell, and anadromous – of the Atlantic seaboard by (1) the development
of a joint program for the promotion and protection of the fishing industry and (2) the
prevention of the physical waste of the fisheries from any cause. The compact established
ASMFC and gives the commission the power to recommend the coordination of the
exercise of the police powers of the several states within their respective jurisdictions to
(1) promote the preservation of those fisheries and their protection against overfishing,
waste, depletion, or any abuse whatsoever and (2) assure a continuing yield from the
fisheries resources of the member states.
States are responsible for implementing and enforcing, consistent with state management
regimes, the measures contained in ASMFC coastal fishery management plans. If ASMFC
determines that a particular state is not in compliance with the strategies of an adopted plan,
ASMFC may petition the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to impose a
fishing moratorium until compliance is achieved.
Purse Net Prohibition in Maryland
State law prohibits a person from catching finfish for any purpose in the tidal waters of the
State by use of a purse net.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: SJ 6 (Senator Bailey) - Education, Health, and Environmental
Affairs.
Information Source(s): Department of Natural Resources; Department of Legislative
Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 18, 2021
rh/lgc
Analysis by: Scott D. Kennedy Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
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