Should this conditional recommendation be implemented in the future, 

 it must be understood that establishing uniform size and bag limits in New 

 York and Connecticut would not have a great effect on the management of migratory 

 fish species such as bluefish, striped bass, and mackerel. Management of these 

 species will depend on cooperative agreements between several states, and, in 

 some cases, between countries (J,7 ) . The Sound's resident species such as 

 tautog (blackfish), flounder, lobster, and shellfish are best suited for bistate 

 management programs » 



Some problems are anticipated in changing present size and bag limits 

 to uniform agreements between New York and Connecticut, i»eo there may be major 

 political opposition based (1) on present differences in size limits that exist 

 between New Yoi'k and Connecticut, (2) on questions of enforcement responsibilities, 

 and (3) on the socio-political impacts involved with stricter regulation of the 

 commercial and sport fisherman's catcho 



Preliminary efforts have been made in regard to lobster manage- 

 ment along the eastern coast of the United States.. Although further research 

 must be done to determine population levels in the Sound and actual lobster 

 maturity, the preliminary research results and present management practices 

 are being used to establish an initial lobster management programo This 

 program includes recommendations regarding size, harvest, and attendent reg- 

 ulations. These management precepts include the follo^^7ing specific proposals: 



1. A program shall be developed to effectively control 

 total fishing effort on the lobster resourceo 



2. Reciprocal enforcement between States shall be 

 effected, 



3o All States shall establish a uniform minimum legal 

 carapace length of 3-% inches with no State at less 

 than 3-3/16 inch carapace length by January 1, 1976o 



4o Maximum size limit shall not be imposed on the lob- 

 ster fishery, 



5o All States shall enact uniform laws prohibiting the 

 possession of egg-bearing or scrubbed lobsters. 



6. All States shall enact uniform laws prohibiting 

 the landing of lobster meat, 



7. All States shall enact laws prohibiting the notching 

 of female lobsters. 



8. All States shall enact uniform laws prohibiting the 

 possession of detached tails, claws or parts of 

 lobsters, 



43 



