POPULATION STUDY OF STRIPED BASS.

SEC. 102. POPULATION STUDY OF STRIPED BASS. (a) Study.—The Secretaries (as that term is defined in the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act), in consultation with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, shall conduct a study to determine if the distribution of year classes in the Atlantic striped bass population is appropriate for maintaining adequate recruitment and sustainable fishing opportunities. In conducting the study, the Secretaries shall consider— (1) long-term stock assessment data and other fishery-dependent and independent data for Atlantic striped bass; and (2) the results of peer-reviewed research funded under the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act. (b) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in consultation with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 114 STAT. 2766the results of the study and a long-term plan to ensure a balanced and healthy population structure of Atlantic striped bass, including older fish. The report shall include information regarding— (1) the structure of the Atlantic striped bass population required to maintain adequate recruitment and sustainable fishing opportunities; and (2) recommendations for measures necessary to achieve and maintain the population structure described in paragraph (1). (c) Authorization.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce $250,000 to carry out this section.