Bill > H4169

This bill establishes a special commission to study the condition of wild striped bass in the Commonwealth, examining how both commercial and recreational fishing affect the striped bass population and its ability to thrive. The commission will be composed of appointed members from the Senate and House of Representatives, including leadership and minority party representatives, along with designees from key state executive offices like Energy and Environmental Affairs, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Economic Development. It will also include representatives from the commercial and sports fishing industries, and three independent marine science experts specializing in fisheries, chosen by the governor. This commission is tasked with holding public hearings in various locations, including Gloucester, New Bedford, Boston, and Cape Cod, to gather information and testimony, and will ultimately produce a written report with its findings and any proposed legislative changes, which must be submitted by December 31, 2017.