Growth of the Chesapeake Bay striped bass spawning population and improvements in the species' reproductive success from 1987 to 1989 resulted in the reopening of the Chesapeake rockfish fishery, on a very limited and controlled basis, in 1990. Before opening the fishery, states were required to meet certain minimum standards established by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission agreed to take a coordinated approach to striped bass management via the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement. The Chesapeake Bay striped bass fishery was conducted during several periods in different locations from September 1990 through February 1991. Deliberations are underway for the 1991 - 1992 striped bass fishery.