Court Order Vacates the Inshore Midwater Trawl Restricted Area

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NOAA Fisheries - New England - Mid Atlantic Bulletin

April 21, 2022

Court Order Vacates the Inshore Midwater Trawl Restricted Area

The inshore midwater trawl restricted area is presently not in effect.

On March 29, 2022, U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin issued a judgment vacating the inshore midwater trawl restricted area measure that was implemented through Amendment 8 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (Figure 1). As a result, the inshore midwater trawl restricted area regulations are not in effect and will not be enforced. NOAA Fisheries retains its opportunity to seek review of the court's vacatur order, including to seek a stay of the court's vacatur order pending appeal, and is considering its options.

Herring map

Figure 1. Inshore Midwater Trawl Restricted Area Map

More Information

Questions?

Fishermen: Contact Maria Fenton, Sustainable Fisheries, 978-281-9196

Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, 978-281-9103