The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces a new recreational size limit for the harvest of striped bass. The new measure maintains New Jersey's compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) Fisheries Management Plan for striped bass.

The new requirement signed into law by Governor Richard J. Cody, allows anglers to take two striped bass each day, each equal to or greater than 28 inches. The statute includes the harvest of striped bass in any waters of the state.

The regulations governing recreational striped bass fishing in New Jersey are set by state legislation. Previously, under the former recreational striped bass fishing regulations, New Jersey anglers were allowed to keep one fish each day measuring 24 inches or greater to less than 28 inches and a second fish 34 inches or greater.

The new size limit keeps New Jersey's annual striper catch in line with conservation goals set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which administers a coast-wide striped bass management plan.

The new legislation does not change the size limit of the Striped Bass Bonus Program, which will remain at one fish equal to or greater than 28 inches. Check the Division's Regulations web page (www.njfishandwildlife.com/njregs.htm) and future press releases for details concerning the 2006 Bonus Program.