Commercial fishermen endorsed to catch and land striped bass may do so through Wednesday, August 10, 2011.  The fishery will close at 00:01 hours on Thursday, August 11, 2011.  From that point forward, the landing of striped bass for commercial purposes will be prohibited until the 2012 season opens.

Dealers are reminded that through August 15, 2011 all striped bass imported into Massachusetts must meet or exceed the 34” minimum size limit.  Beginning on August 16, 2011 all striped bass imported into Massachusetts must be tagged designating the state of origin and must meet or exceed the minimum size in the jurisdiction of origin. 

Commercial fishermen are reminded that August 2011 trip-level reports are due no later than September 15, 2011, even if the permit was not fished.  Failure to submit these reports for all months of the year in a timely manner may result in the non-renewal of your commercial permit and its endorsements in 2012.  Trip level reports should be sent to DMF Statistics Project, 30 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930.  Blank forms and instructions were mailed out prior to the beginning of the 2011 commercial fishing season and additional copies can be obtained at:

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/commercialfishing/trip_level.htm.