August 12, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
As of today, NOAA Fisheries is reducing the possession limit of northern red hake for the remainder of the 2015 fishing year (April 30, 2016) to ensure the total allowable landings will not be exceeded.
The northern red hake possession limit must be reduced from 3,000 lb to 1,500 lb when landings for the fishing year reach or are projected to reach 45 percent of the total allowable landings. The northern red hake fishery was projected to have reached this level on August 10.
This limit goes into effect on Wednesday, August 12. Vessels currently on a trip are allowed to retain northern red hake in accordance with the previous possession limit of 3,000 lb.
Read the rule as filed in the Federal Register, or read the permit holder bulletin on our website.
Questions? Contact Reid Lichwell, Regional Office, at 978-281-6112 or reid.lichwell@noaa.gov.