Corrected Map Below
On September 18, NOAA Fisheries published modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan for the lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot fishery, which includes a new restricted area in Lobster Management Area (LMA) 1. This restricted area goes into effect on October 18, and will remain closed to fishing with persistent (traditional) buoy lines through January 30, 2022.
 Fishermen must remove all lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot gear by 00:01 on October 18, 2021.
Exempted Fishing Permits
Exempted Fishing Permits are issued for activities in support of fisheries-related research. To participate in this research, federally permitted vessels must operate under Exempted Fishing Permits, usually headed by a research, academic, state, or fishery organization that designs a research plan. There are a few studies underway to develop fishing methods that do not use buoy lines to retrieve gear and alert other fishermen to the presence of gear on the bottom. Results of this work would enable the fishing industry to operate in areas where persistent buoy lines are prohibited.
If you are interested in testing ropeless gear or have another idea for research related to reducing the use of persistent buoy lines, please contact your NOAA Fisheries regional office (978-281-9315 or nmfs.gar.researchpermit@noaa.gov) and Maine DMR (Lobster.DMR@maine.gov) if you are permitted in Maine.
|
