16 USC - Chapter 71 A - Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation - § 5151-5158.

This Chapter establishes a unique State-based, Federally backed management scheme for management and conservation of striped bass. It recognises the commercial and recreational importance, as well as the inter-jurisdictional nature, of such management and conservation. The Chapter required the Secretary of Commerce to impose a moratorium on fishing for striped bass in any state that, according to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), with confirmation by the Secretary, is not in compliance with the Commission's Plan for Striped Bass. Secretaries of Commerce and Interior were to review the ASMFC Plan and make recommendation to the House and Senate Committees and the Commission. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce must jointly make the determination necessary to impose a moratorium, and the Commission shall make annual determinations of compliance and enforcement beginning in December 1987. The Commission may make a determination of non-compliance at any time and the Secretary of Commerce shall regulate fishing for striped bass in the Exclusive Economic Zone. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission shall determine if states have adopted adequate regulatory measures to implement the management plan for striped bass, and whether state enforcement of the plan is satisfactory. The Commission is to notify the Secretary of Commerce immediately of any negative determination. The legislation provides the Secretaries of Commerce and Interior the option of imposing a moratorium on fishing for striped bass in those states which do not comply with the related Act. Studies of striped bass populations, including stock assessments and socio-economic studies shall be carried out.