The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on Sept. 30, to listen to public comments on a variety of proposals for reducing striped bass fishing mortality. The hearing will be held in the cafeteria of the Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave. in Annapolis, starting at 7 p.m.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (of which Maryland is a member) has determined that, coastwide, larger striped bass have been caught at rates substantially higher than the scientific targets that have been established. As a result, the Coastal States will be reducing fishing mortality for the 2000 striped bass seasons.

Options to achieve the reductions include changes in seasons and creel limits, a one-fish creel limit for the Atlantic Coast recreational fishery, proportional reductions, quota allocation reductions for the commercial and trophy fisheries, and slot limits.

All interested parties are urged to attend and give their views. Sign language interpreters and other appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request.

For those unable to attend, written comments may be sent to: Howard King, DNR Fisheries Service, Tawes State Office Building C-2, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis MD 21401; faxed to (410) 260-8279; or e-mailed to hking@dnr.state.md.us. Comments must be received by Tues., Oct. 5

More information concerning the striped bass stock assessment is available on the Internet at: www.asmfc.org.