Mild Winter In Mid Atlantic

Throughout much of the Mid Atlantic region, the 2011-2012 winter has been unusually mild. Although cold temperatures and snowfall has occurred in western and northern parts of the Mid Atlantic, coastal areas have experienced an unusual number of warm, sunny days and mild nights. 

The weather is having a variety of economic impacts. In hardware stores, snow shovels and rock salt sit idle. Although snow and ice-related problems are less frequent, homeowners have been busy keeping algae growth in check.

Fuel delivery trucks sit idle as homeowners enjoy much smaller heating bills. With fewer icy roads, the number of auto mishaps is most likely down.

In gardens and fallow fields, greens began blooming in January, an event that normally occurs in April. In some locations, ornamental shrubs and trees have begun blooming.

Hunters and outdoorsmen have reported seeing mosquitoes during the hunting seasons. At night, moths and other insects have been active practically all winter. On warm days, homeowners complain as houseflies become active.

Effects of the mild winter can be seen in nature and wildlife. Deer that are normally thin have countless acres of lush green grass to feed on. The warm winter has kept creeks, ponds and wetlands ice-free, allowing waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife unlimited access.

In some parts of the Mid Atlantic, freshwater fishing has been unusually good. Anglers are reporting good fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, pickerel, and other species. In many areas, aquatic turtles and frogs have remained active during the winter season.

Mid Atlantic Fishing Website

Recreational anglers in the Mid Atlantic region will have access to a new online resource for 2012. Formerly known as "Maryland - Virginia Saltwater Fishing", the new fishing portal will be entitled "Mid Atlantic Fishing".

The site features a much expanded fishing articles section, with a wide range of regional information ranging from New Jersey southward into North Carolina.

Other new content will spotlight freshwater fishing and dozens of freshwater species overviews. An online store will supply Mid Atlantic anglers with apparel, books, calendars, collectibles, tackle, and other fishing-related gear.

Maryland River Herring Moratorium

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced a statewide moratorium on the harvest of river herring (blueback and alewife herring).

The moratorium follows a 93 percent drop in commercial river herring landings along the Atlantic Coast since 1985. The Maryland commercial harvest of river herring has been falling since the early 1970s when the yearly average was about 700,000 pounds. From 2005 to 2010 the average was just 35,200 pounds.

Maryland is one of several states that are taking action to restore river herring. River herring are managed cooperatively by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

For more information, visit dnr.state.md.us/fisheries.

source: MD DNR