Pity the Norfolk spot, the preferred species for live-line fishermen in this area. It faces relentless fishing pressure from Delaware south not only from both the recreational and commercial fleet, but also from predatory fish such as stripers, blues, sea trout and other species including flounder. There are few laws and regulations if any targeted to protect the species and to date, a formal coastwide stock assessment plan has not been made.

In addition, smaller spot, we're told, remain a major component of the by catch associated with seine, trawl and pound net fisheries of Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina as well as that of the...