June 12, 2019 — Recommendations made by the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) will further reduce Maine lobster harvesters’ access to herring as a baitfish.
According to the Associated Press, the council has recommended that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cut herring catch levels to 25 million pounds (11,400t) for 2020, down from 15,875t this year. Five years ago, herring catch limits were set at 90,718t, the news service said.
“Maine lobstermen will continue to identify new bait sources to further diversify our bait supply and develop efficiencies in our bait use,” Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, told the news service.