NOAA Fisheries Sets Northeast Multispecies Measures for the 2019 Fishing Year
Effective May 1, 2019
NOAA Fisheries is approving Northeast multispecies sectors, and setting fishing year 2019 management measures for sectors and the common pool that will be effective on May 1, 2019.
Northeast Groundfish Sectors
We are approving 16 sector operations plans, including one new sector, as well as 19 regulatory exemptions to improve the efficiency and flexibility for sector vessels. We are also allocating annual catch entitlements (ACE or “quota”) for fishing year 2019 based on catch limits established in Framework Adjustment 57 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Quotas may be modified by Framework 58, if approved, at a later date.
Read the final rule as filed in the Federal Register today.
Common Pool
We are also setting common pool possession and trip limits. Possession and trip limits for Gulf of Maine cod and Gulf of Maine haddock are being reduced, but all other limits are staying the same. These possession and trip limits are based on Framework 57, which will continue to be in effect on May 1, 2019. During the fishing year, we will monitor common pool catches, and, as necessary, will adjust common pool management measures.
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 2019. Vessels may not use flounder trawl nets in this SAP.
Northeast multispecies vessels may fish in this SAP in 2019 to target haddock but must fish with a haddock separator trawl, a Ruhle trawl, or hook gear. For common pool vessels, this SAP is open from August 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020. For sector vessels, this SAP is open from May 1, 2019, through January 31, 2020.
Read the rule as filed in the Federal Register today.
For more details on both rules, read the permit holder bulletin.
Questions?
Sector Fishermen, please contact Claire Fitz-Gerald, Regional Office, at 978-281-9255
Common Pool Fishermen, please contact Spencer Talmage, Regional Office, at 978-281-9232
Media, please contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, at 978-281-9103
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