Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 3.djvu/1033

 PUBLIC LAW 100-589—NOV. 3, 1988

102 STAT. 2985

the protection and restoration of the Albemarle Sound-Roanoke River stock of striped bass. (5) Because the striped bass and the aquatic environment of the Albemarle Sound-Roanoke River basin presently are being significantly affected by combined but not fully understood causes, a study should be undertaken to obtain additional biological information to understand the significance of fishing, water flows, and other factors in the decline of the striped bass populations in the Albemarle Sound-Roanoke River basin and, if feasible, develop an effective course of action for restoring these important stocks of striped bass, (b) STUDY.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in consultation with the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall— (A) immediately undertake a biological study of the striped bass fishery resources and habitats of the Albemarle Sound-Roanoke River basin area; (B) develop short-term and long-term recommendations for Federal and State government agencies for restoring and conserving such resources and habitats; and (C) submit the results of such study and such recommendations to the Congress and to the States of North Carolina and Virginia as soon as practicable, but not later than 36 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) CONTENTS OF THE STUDY.—The study conducted under this subsection shall, to the extent existing data are adequate, use such existing data and shall include— (A) a description of the Albemarle Sound-Roanoke River basin area, and an investigation and analysis of the effects of land and water use practices on the striped bass population and habitats of the area; (B) an investigation and analysis of the abundance and age and geographic distribution of the Albemarle SoundRoanoke River stock of striped bass, including the amount and geographical location of migration and spawning habitat; (C) an investigation and analysis of factors that may affect the abundance and age and geographic distribution of the Albemarle Sound-Roanoke River stock of striped bass, including— (i) the extent and causes of mortality at successive stages in the life cycle of striped bass, including mortality due to recreational and commercial fishing; and (ii) the combined effects of pollution and other natural and human alterations of the physical environment, including the effects of water withdrawals, discharges, and flows, on striped bass migration and spawning and on the viability and condition of eggs and larval fish; (D) an investigation and analysis of the status and effectiveness of current striped bass management measures implemented by State and Federal authorities, including State fishing regulations and Federal fish stocking activities, reservoir management and water flow regulation, and an analysis of whether any additional State or Federal measures would be effective in halting the decline and

North Carolina. Virginia.

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