May 26, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
The Gulf of Maine (GOM) Cod Protection Closures, sometimes referred to as “rolling closures,” remain in place. There are five of these seasonal closures, which are active during different times of the year.
Closed to All Common Pool and Sector vessels
- GOM Cod Protection Closure I: May 1 through May 31
- GOM Cod Protection Closure II: June 1 through June 30
- GOM Cod Protection Closure III: November 1 through January 31
Closed to Common Pool vessels, except Handgear A vessels
- GOM Cod Protection Closure IV: October 1 through October 31
- GOM Cod Protection Closure V: March 1 through March 31
Each of these areas are closed to Common Pool and/or Sector vessels on a groundfish trip.
Maps and coordinates for each GOM Cod Protection Area are available on the Northeast Multispecies Closed Area Regulations webpage.