NOAA Fisheries Announces Proposed Rebuilding Plan for the Southern Red Hake Fishery

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NOAA Fisheries - New England - Mid Atlantic Bulletin

July 12, 2021

NOAA Fisheries Announces Proposed Rebuilding Plan for the Southern Red Hake Fishery

NOAA Fisheries seeks comment on a proposed rule that would establish a 10-year rebuilding plan for the overfished southern red hake stock. The New England Fishery Management Council took additional time to develop this action given a pending research track assessment that could have potentially affected the rebuilding requirements for southern red hake and took final action in June 2020. 

In addition, the proposed rebuilding plan would decrease the year-round possession limit from 5,000 lb to a dual 1,000/600-lb possession limit based on the selectivity of gear-type or mesh size used. The 600-lb possession limit would apply to standard small-mesh trawls (less than 5.5 inches square or diamond mesh), which are less selective, while the 1,000-lb possession limit would apply to large-mesh trawls and other more selective gear types which includes raised footrope trawls, large mesh belly panel trawls, and rope separator trawls. 

For more details, please read the rule as published in the Federal Register. You can provide comments through our online portal. Comments are due by July 27, 2021.

Questions?

Fishermen: Contact Laura Hansen, Regional Office, 978-281-9225
Media: Contact Kate Swails, Regional Office, 978-282-8481