In 2020, On The Water started an annual custom of dedicating The Striper Cup to a corporation or person who embodies the spirit of the occasion. This 12 months, the Striper Cup committee is proud to honor a frontrunner in fisheries administration whose tireless efforts have considerably impacted the way forward for striped bass conservation, Dr. Mike Armstrong of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
Dr. Armstrong has spent over three many years at DMF overseeing essential applications in fish biology, inventory assessments, and leisure fisheries. He has devoted his profession to the science-based administration of essential fish species, significantly striped bass. And he has been instrumental in creating rules and administration plans which have preserved the striped bass fishery whereas permitting anglers to get pleasure from this treasured useful resource.
Due to his dedication, Massachusetts has led the way in which in adopting rules to preserve striped bass and continues to guide scientific efforts to assist advance administration of the species. Most just lately, Massachusetts is taking the result in examine catch and launch mortality within the striped bass fishery to raised perceive the varied elements impacting fish survivability. Furthermore, Dr. Armstrong performed a key function on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Fee’s Striped Bass Administration Board. His management helped form coast-wide administration the place he pushed for emergency motion in 2023 to cut back striped bass mortality on the remaining robust 2015-year class.
Along with his analysis and coverage work, Dr. Armstrong has all the time maintained a detailed reference to the angling group, fostering an understanding of how private accountability performs a task in conservation. His management has elevated DMF’s concentrate on leisure fisheries, guaranteeing that anglers’ wants are met and public entry is improved by the strategic use of saltwater fishing allow charges.
On behalf of all the OTW crew, previous and current, thanks, Mike, on your tireless efforts in guaranteeing a sustainable future for our fisheries.
