Recreational Anglers Applaud Appointment to Potomac River Fisheries Commission

Annapolis, MD – The appointment of Maryland native Dennis Fleming to represent sport fishermen on the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (the Commission) is good news for Maryland anglers and conservationists. Fleming, a CCA Maryland (CCA MD) board member and longtime recreational angler, was selected by Governor Martin O’Malley to serve on the Commission earlier this week.

“Fleming is the right guy for this job,” said CCA MD executive director Robert Glenn. “He deserves to be appointed to the Commission not only because he will represent recreational fishermen, but because he is an advocate for responsible fisheries management and conservation.”

The Commission manages the fisheries of the main branch of the tidal Potomac River from the Maryland border with Washington D.C. to the mouth of the river at Point Lookout, MD and Smith Point, VA. It regulates all recreational and commercial fishing, crabbing, oystering and clamming and issues licenses for those activities. The Commission also coordinates regulations with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on matters that effect interstate fisheries like menhaden, flounder, croaker, trout and striped bass.

“I have been dedicated to fisheries conservation for many years and I understand how important it is for recreational anglers to be involved in the process,” Fleming said. “My goal is to bring fairness and balance to the Commission by advocating conservation over exploitation.”

“We are pleased that the Governor has shown his appreciation for the perspective of Maryland’s recreational anglers on important fisheries management decisions,” said Bill Curry, CCA MD chairman. “Recreational anglers have proven to be valuable stewards of our natural resources and this is a sign the Governor wants the same thing we do; more fish, crabs and oysters in the Bay and its tributaries.”