April 24, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
We are implementing Framework Adjustment 8 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan. Framework 8 increases 2020-2021 skate fishery total allowable landings by 13 percent, and increases seasonal trip limits for the wing and bait fisheries to provide additional flexibility to fishermen. Specifically, this final rule will:
- Increase the annual catch limit for the skate complex 4-percent to 32,715 mt
- Increase total allowable landings of skate wings 13-percent to 11,879 mt
- Increase the total allowable landings of skate bait 13-percent to 5,984 mt
- Increase the bait fishery Season 3 possession limit to 25,000 lb
- Increase the wing fishery Season 1 possession limit to 3,000 lb
- Increase the wing fishery Season 2 possession limit to 5,000 lb
- Increase the barndoor skate possession limit in the wing fishery to 750 lb in Season 1, and to 1,250 lb in Season 2
All other management measures and requirements, including incidental possession limits of 500 lb in the wing fishery and 8,000 lb in the bait fishery, remain unchanged. These measures will be effective for the start of the fishing year on May 1, 2020.
For more details, please read the rule as filed in the Federal Register, or the bulletin posted on our website.