The likely result is a relaxation of restrictions on "choke stocks" and an increase in the amount of groundfish and scallops that can be taken without exceeding limits on bycatch.

"This is a very welcome piece of good news at a time when people in our fishery are under siege from arbitrary and unfair restrictions," U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass, said.

"While this provision appears technical, people in the fishing industry of Greater New Bedford have told me that it's one of the most important things Congress could do to increase fishermen's ability to fish, and I'm very proud that we were able to accomplish it," he said.

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