The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pursuant to Code of Maryland Regulation 08.02.15.12(I) has announced the extension of the commercial striped bass fishery for the Atlantic Ocean, its coastal bays and their tributaries. The season will reopen effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 9, 2005 through Tuesday, May 31, 2005 with the current rules and regulations in effect. The Atlantic Coast commercial striped bass fishery will reopen again Tuesday, November 1, 2005.

The Secretary has determined that the Atlantic striped bass harvest is less than anticipated and that the available quota warrants the extension. The Secretary may, by public notice, close a season if the quota is projected to be exceeded.