June 13, 2019 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council covered several issues related to monkfish and skates during its mid-June meeting in So. Portland, Maine. Here’s a quick rundown:
Monkfish – The Council: (1) initiated Framework Adjustment 12 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which will include specifications for the 2020-2022 monkfish fishing years and any associated management measures that may be needed; and (2) approved 2020-2021 priorities for the Monkfish Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program.
Skates – The Council: (1) initiated Framework Adjustment 8 to the Northeast Skate Complex FMP, which will include specifications for the 2020-2021 fishing years and other measures if needed; and (2) received a progress report on Amendment 5, which is being developed to consider options to potentially limit access to the skate wing and skate bait fisheries.