This is just an idea, likely many reasons it will not happen. It's also based on perceptions I have on the RFA, please correct me if I am wrong. I don't know of any organizations that have the influence as the RFA has. I also think the RFA currently has no interest in anything like this at this time because of where they get their support ($$) from. So here it goes:
I think the Recreation Fishing Alliance is the largest organization that is supposedly representing the recreational fisherman. I do believe they are involved in lobbying. If they would take a stand and declare that based on fisherman's opinions and realistic data the Striped Bass Biomass is in trouble and immediate action needs to be taken to preserve and increase the population to support recreational fishing (individuals, charter boats and party boats). That regulations need to be one bass per person 36" or larger and that the bonus tags are eliminated. That the commercial quota is to either be eliminated or reduced 75%, something like this. By the RFA stating fishing pressure (recreational and commercial) along with the pollution in the Chesapeake Bay has the striped bass population in severe trouble I feel there is a possibility a large amount of the recreational fisherman will rally around and provide support.
If something is going to be done to curtail the downward spiral of the striped bass biomass an organization that has some political power/voice needs to get involved in a big way. Major press releases, calling out the ASMFC for steering this striped bass population towards another moratorium, getting political support.
Something like this will need to happen....soon, to save us from having a very limited amount of Striped Bass to fish for.
Just my .02 after a huge turkey meal.
White Water Monty 2.00 (WWM)
Future Long Islander (ASAP)