Increase to Commercial Summer Flounder Limits Effective September 1
Effective Monday, September 1, the commercial summer flounder possession limit for all gear types will increase to 800 pounds. This increase occurs automatically upon the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) determining that at least 20% of the state’s commercial summer flounder quota will remain available on September 1. Current quota monitoring information, which includes commercial landings reported through August 25, indicates that roughly 45% of the state’s 2025 quota remains available. Based on daily landings rates, DMF can safely project today that more than 20% of the quota will remain available on September 1, triggering the trip limit increase to 800 pounds.
Additionally, Saturdays are added as an open fishing day beginning in September. Therefore, this change will go into effect on Saturday, September 6 and lawfully permitted commercial fishers will be able to retain, possess, land, and sell summer flounder seven days per week throughout the remainder of calendar year or until 100% of the annual quota is taken and the commercial summer flounder fishery is closed for 2025.
The Consecutive Daily Trip Limit Program remains in place with these pending September 1 adjustments to the commercial summer flounder limits. Trawlers with a valid Letter of Authorization will now be able to fish seven days per week and retain 800 pounds of summer flounder per day and possess and land up to 1,600 pounds of summer flounder on trips spanning at least two consecutive calendar days and a period of at least 24-hours.
Unless otherwise notified, these limits are expected to remain in effect until the start of the fall fishery on October 1. The rules governing the fall fishery will be announced in late September and are dependent on the quota projected to remain available on October 1.
Visit our website: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries
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