March 9, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
We are seeking public comment on an action that would establish groundfish annual catch limits for fishing year 2015 (May 1, 2015-April 30, 2016).
The 2015 catch limits for most groundfish stocks would remain the same as 2014, but large reductions are proposed for Gulf of Maine cod (-75%), Georges Bank winter flounder (-44%), and Gulf of Maine winter flounder (-53%).
The reduction proposed for Gulf of Maine cod is in addition to the 75% catch limit reduction we implemented for the 2013 fishing year.
Framework 53 would also:
– Modify existing Gulf of Maine area closures for the commercial groundfish fishery to help protect Gulf of Maine cod
– Revise other closure areas to provide increased fishing opportunities on healthy groundfish stocks, like haddock.
– Prohibit possession of Gulf of Maine cod for the recreational fishery.
Read more about Framework 53, and submit your comments by March 24, 2015.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, at 978-675-2167 or Jennifer.Goebel@noaa.gov.