The Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Association represents the bedrock of Island sportfishing from the beach. In between the chowder, chicken wings, raffle, and animated conversation that took center stage at their annual meeting Saturday, the more than 90 fishermen gathered in the Baylies Room of the Edgartown Whaling Church got a taste of what the upcoming recreational fishing season will bring.
Environmental Police Lieutenant Matt Bass provided an update on the status of a full-time environmental police officer assigned to the Vineyard. Lieutenant Bass, formerly assigned to the Vineyard, said that for now officers would continue to rotate to the Island until a new officer is permanently assigned. He said he anticipates no major changes in fishery regulations this season.
Fisherman Joe Dart appealed to his fellow members to support a petition he will present to the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby committee to implement temporary changes in the rules governing the weighing in of stripers in the upcoming 71st fall classic. Mr. Dart highlighted the decline — 800 fish weighed in in 2004, compared with 259 in 2015 — as evidence to support his call for action.
The proposed changes include the elimination of daily prizes for stripers; limiting fishermen to four weigh-ins; and an increase in the Derby size limit from 32 inches to 34 inches. The state minimum is 28 inches. The increase, he said, would provide more time for females to breed.
“These modest proposals will only enhance the Derby experience by reminding the participants of the need to protect both striped bass and the future of the Derby,” he said.
Chris Kennedy, The Trustees of Reservations Martha’s Vineyard superintendent, outlined a series of beach permit rate hikes that will affect over-sand vehicle access. The Trustees manage county-owned Norton Point Beach, as well as Chappy beaches.
Mr. Kennedy said the Chappy permit would increase from $180 to $200. The Norton Point–only sticker would remain at $90 for residents and $140 for nonresidents. The combination permit would be $270 for residents and $320 for nonresidents.
“As you know,” Mr. Kennedy said, “the monies that we collect for permits stay on this Island, and they are used to support management, shorebird protection, and education in the schools, so it’s money that is well spent.”
Mr. Kennedy also provided an update on the Trustees’ efforts to take advantage of new flexibility in state and federal shorebird restrictions. Currently, those regulations require the Trustees to shut down access to Cape Poge when newly hatched piping plover chicks begin crossing from the beach to the pond side of the narrow entrance road, known as the “narrows,” shutting off access to more than six miles of beach.
Mr. Kennedy said the Trustees have applied for a “take permit” that would provide some flexibility and allow limited access through the narrows by using monitors who would keep track of the chicks during the day. “It is not a panacea, but it is a step in the right direction,” Mr. Kennedy said.
The Surfcasters offered to provide volunteers to help with monitoring shorebirds.
Mr. Kennedy also told the fishermen that last August someone, likely speeding down Norton Point Beach, ran over a plover that was unable to fly out of the way of the vehicle. Mr. Kennedy said rangers would be tightly regulating speed limits during the time birds are on the beach “until they are able to fly and fly well.”
Mr. Kennedy reminded the fishermen, “We work so hard — you folks, the Trustees — to see these birds protected and fledge; we can’t afford to lose even one.”