April 21, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
We are setting common pool possession and trip limits to ensure that the common pool fishery is able to fully utilize its available quotas. Effective on May 1, these possession and trip limits were developed based on the common pool sub-Annual Catch Limits set by Framework Adjustment 58 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. We also considered preliminary 2020 sector rosters, expected common pool participation, and common pool fishing activity in previous fishing years. During the fishing year, we will monitor common pool catches, and, will adjust common pool management measures as necessary.
Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock Special Access Program
Northeast multispecies vessels may not target yellowtail flounder within the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock Special Access Program (SAP) in fishing year 2020. Northeast multispecies vessels are not allowed to fish in this SAP using flounder trawl nets, but may fish in this SAP in 2020 to target haddock with a haddock separator trawl, a Ruhle trawl, or hook gear. This SAP is open from August 1, 2020, through January 31, 2021.
Regular B Days-at-Sea Program
The Regular B Days-at-Sea (DAS) program is closed for fishing year 2020. During this closure, Northeast multispecies vessels may not declare or use Regular B DAS.
More Information
For more details, read the notice and the permit holder bulletin.