Black Bass Conservation Fund
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This fund collects donations to support specific largemouth bass and smallmouth bass conservation efforts in Maryland. In 2024, funds raised would allow the purchase of a filtration unit that would give Maryland Department of Natural Resources hatcheries the ability to raise 3,000 more largemouth bass each year.
For donations by check of $1,000 or less, please pay to the order of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and include in the memo, "Black Bass Conservation Fund." Mail checks to: Martha Bruder, 580 Taylor Avenue, B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Make a gift through
COMPASS under "purchase merchandise" now.
(See below for detailed instructions.)
What are we trying to buy?
Stakeholders have suggested that capacity to raise bass for stocking in Maryland waters be increased at our hatcheries. While sizable investments have already been made, another way to further increase capacity is to equip circular fiberglass tanks with a bead filter to grow bass. A bead filter would provide filtration of water in the raceways by making nitrogenous wastes non-toxic. A bead filter to complete this project will cost $5,000.
GOAL
The Black Bass Conservation Fund can be used to support projects in Maryland that improve fishing for anglers and the health of the population. Our goal in 2024 will be to purchase a bead filter that allows Maryland Department of Natural Resources hatcheries the ability to raise 3,000 more largemouth bass (6 inches - 12 inches) each year for the purpose of stocking to reservoirs and rivers. You can make a gift through
COMPASS (see below for a How To video).
What is the Black Bass Conservation Fund?
Introduced as bills to the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor, the Black Bass Conservation Fund allows the general public to directly donate money to largemouth bass and smallmouth bass management in Maryland. The Black Bass Conservation Fund collects donations that will be used specifically to support largemouth bass and smallmouth bass conservation in Maryland. Your gift will be used for enhancing aquatic habitat,
supplies awarded to directors of black bass tournaments, or similar efforts. Projects will be considered each year by the department and its Black Bass Advisory Committee, a body of advisors made up of public stakeholders.
Governor Wes Moore signed legislation introduced by Senator Jack Bailey and Delegate Jackie Addison
in support of actions taken by Roger Trageser, President of the Maryland Bass Nation
and Chair of Black Bass Advisory Committee, to authorize the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
to receive donations specifically dedicated to largemouth bass and smallmouth bass conservation (May 8, 2023).
How do I provide money to the Black Bass Conservation Fund?
People are invited to provide any amount of money to support Black Bass conservation in Maryland. The amount given is not tax-deductible. Log in to
COMPASS, go to Purchase Merchandise, and click on the Merchandise section to find the Black Bass Conservation Fund option.
Why do we stock bass?
Maryland's Department of Natural Resources has released over 5 million young largemouth bass into Maryland's tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay since 1980. Increasing demands on hatcheries has reduced production of largemouth bass. However, routine stocking remains necessary to maintain or grow bass fisheries, such as when habitat conditions severely limit reproduction. Fish stocking locations and procedures follow a stocking policy established in 2014.
