September 15, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries announces an increase to the trip and possession limit for Gulf of Maine cod for common pool vessels.
We had reduced possession and trip limits to zero on June 15, 2015, to prevent the common pool from exceeding its Trimester 1 quota. To date, the common pool fishery has harvested approximately 31% of its annual quota for Gulf of Maine cod.
Through this action, we are increasing the possession and trip limit from zero to 25 pounds per trip for the remainder of the fishing year, though April 30, 2016.
This new limit goes into effect with publication in the Federal Register on Wednesday, September 16.
Read the rule as filed in the Federal Register today, and the permit holder bulletin available on our website.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, at 978-281-6175 or Jennifer.Goebel@noaa.gov.