July 11, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries announces monkfish quotas for the fishing years 2017 through 2019 (May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2020).
This action also approves possession limit and days-at-sea (DAS) increases for limited access monkfish permit holders.
Northern Fishery Management Area
We are increasing the monkfish quota in the Northern Fishery Management Area by about 8 percent. Incidental landing limits for vessels fishing on a groundfish DAS would also increase:
- Category C: from 600 to 900 lb tail weight/DAS
- Category D: from 500 to 750 lb tail weight/DAS
Southern Fishery Management Area
We are increasing the monkfish quota in the Southern Fishery Management Area by approximately 1 percent. Fishermen can now fish five more DAS in the Southern area; an increase from 32 to 37 DAS. Southern Area trip limits also increase for limited access vessels:
- Category A and C: from 610 to 700 lb tail weight/DAS
- Category B and D: from 500 to 575 lb tail weight/DAS
These management measures are designed to increase monkfish landings, provide operational flexibility, and increase economic efficiency.
To get all the details on these management changes, read the final rule as filed in the Federal Register today, supplemental documents, and the permit holder bulletinposted on our website.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov