February 7, 2017 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has adopted a commercial possession limit of 8 blacknose sharks per trip for harvesters in state waters south of 34˚00’ N. latitude. Southern states are required to implement this management measure prior to February 28, 2017. This action was taken to complement federal management measures that were implemented on January 13, 2017 for Atlantic shark limited access permit holders. Keeping with current regulations, a person operating a vessel north of 34˚00’ N. latitude may not possess, land or sell any blacknose sharks.
The blacknose and non-blacknose small coastal shark (SCS) fisheries south of 34˚00’ N. latitude are quota-linked under current regulations, meaning if landings of either fishery are projected to exceed 80% of the available commercial quota then the both fisheries will close. In May 2016, both fisheries closed because blacknose shark landings exceeded the 80% threshold, however, less than 20% of the non-blacknose SCS quota had been harvested at that time. A blacknose shark possession limit is expected to increase the utilization of available SCS quota and aid in rebuilding and end overfishing of Atlantic blacknose sharks.
The notice is attached and available at the following link – http://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file//589a1220BlacknoseCommercialRetentionLimit_Feb2017.pdf.
For more information, please contact Ashton Harp, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at aharp@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.