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Effective today, May 1, 2025, NOAA Fisheries has implemented a temporary rule for an emergency action that establishes measures necessary for the Northeast Multispecies to operate in fishing year 2025. This action ensures the fishery can continue without interruption by setting interim specifications for 2 stocks of cod and for Georges Bank haddock, and affirming specifications for other Northeast Multispecies stocks previously set in Frameworks 65 and 66.
This action prohibits recreational vessels from possessing Atlantic cod caught outside of the Gulf of Maine Regulated Mesh Area. Recreational vessels may not retain Atlantic cod caught in the Georges Bank, Southern New England, and Mid-Atlantic Regulated Mesh Areas. Vessels in possession of Gulf of Maine cod that meet the possession limit, minimum size, and open season specified for the Gulf of Maine Regulated Mesh Area may transit the other regulated mesh areas with that cod, provided all bait and hooks are removed from fishing rods, and any cod on board has been gutted and stored. Visit out recreational fishing website to see a map and coordinates for these areas, as well as current regulations for recreational fishing.
Recreational regulations for Gulf of Maine cod and Gulf of Maine haddock are not changed by this action.
 This emergency action will be in effect on May 1, 2025. The emergency rule is effective for 180 days unless replaced by permanent measures, and it can be extended for up to 186 days if necessary.
For details, see the rule as filed at the Office of the Federal Register or the Bulletin on our website. This rule will be published in the Federal Register on Friday May 2, 2025, and will accept comments through June 2, 2025.
Questions?
Fishermen: Mark Grant, GARFO SFD, 978-281-9145
Media: Contact NOAA Fisheries Public Affairs or GARFO Public Affairs
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