Agencies shore up efforts on poaching | striped, bass, coast – News –

The Coast Guard and partner agencies are intensifying efforts to stop the illegal poaching of striped bass off the Atlantic coast this winter season.

To help ensure the health of the striped bass population, the Coast Guard is working to raise awareness of the federal regulations governing striped bass and to increase enforcement efforts to protect the migration and spawning of the fish from illegal poaching activities, according to a Coast Guard news release.

Striped bass populations are moving further offshore into warmer waters and fishermen are often pursuing the fish beyond the authorized state waters, the release said.

A person caught fishing for striped bass outside of three nautical miles and into the Exclusive Economic Zone is subject to fines starting at $100 per fish.

The Coast Guard has established an Atlantic Striped Bass Reporting Hotline at 757-398-6598 to report suspected poaching activity. Calls should include a description of the activity, those involved, the location and the time of the suspected offense.

Agencies shore up efforts on poaching | striped, bass, coast – News – Jacksonville Daily News