September 16, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

NOAA Fisheries announces no commercial landings of summer flounder or bluefish will be allowed in Massachusetts through December 31.

Vessels issued Federal commercial summer flounder permits may not land summer flounder in Massachusetts as of 0001 hours on September 17.

Vessels issued Federal commercial bluefish permits may not land bluefish in Massachusetts as of 0001 hours on September 19.

Massachusetts has harvested its commercial summer flounder quota and its commercial bluefish quota.

These closures are concurrent with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ closure of its commercial summer flounder fishery effective 0001 hours on September 17 and bluefish fishery effective 0001 hours on September 19 to state permitted vessels and dealers.

Vessel owners issued Federal permits must continue to complete and submit vessel logbooks for all other species landed. Dealers issued Federal dealer permits for summer flounder  and bluefish may not purchase these species from federally permitted vessels that land in Massachusetts for the remainder of the calendar year. Federally permitted dealers must also continue to report all fish purchases from any vessel.

Read the rule as filed in the Federal Register, and read the permit holder Bulletin on our website.

Questions? Contact Reid Lichwell, Regional Office at 978-281-9112 or Reid.Lichwell@noaa.gov.