PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — September 20, 2013 — The city will host an public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 1, on proposed amendments to the N.H. Fish and Game Department marine fisheries rules, as well as proposed rule changes for several Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission-managed species.
The hearing will begin at 7 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road.
Among other changes, the Fish and Game Department is proposing to:
Reduce the daily poundage of scallops that can be taken in a day in state waters from 200 pounds of shucked scallops to 75 pounds, and from 1,666 pounds to 625 pounds for scallops in the shell; change the open season for taking scallops with a dredge to Dec. 1 through April 15; and allow limited use of chafing gear on a scallop dredge.
Require harvest permits and logbook reports to take any commercially harvested species unless the harvest is already required to be reported under another license (e.g. lobsters) or to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service via vessel trip reports.
Read the full story at Seacoast Online