(7)
The term “fishing” means—
(A)
the catching, taking, or harvesting of Atlantic striped bass, except when incidental to harvesting that occurs in the course of commercial or recreational fish catching activities directed at a species other than Atlantic striped bass;
(B)
the attempted catching, taking, or harvesting of Atlantic striped bass; and
(C)
any operation at sea in support of, or in preparation for, any activity described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
The term does not include any scientific research authorized by the Federal Government or by any State government.