March 17, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries today announced proposed management measures for the groundfish fishery for the 2014 fishing year, which begins on May 1. These measures, recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council, include proposed increases in catch limits for three groundfish stocks and a lower catch limit for another stock, new rebuilding timeframes for Gulf of Maine cod and American plaice, and the establishment of accountability measures (the use of selective fishing gear in certain areas) for fishing vessels using small-mesh gear if they exceed their annual allotment of Georges Bank yellowtail flounder. Several measures are also being proposed that are intended to increase flexibility for U.S./Canada stocks and/or help fishermen achieve optimum yield. To read more about these proposed measures and other measures under development please click here.