May 13, 2014 — This year, new restrictions are going into place per order of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees fisheries. The new rules place various limitation on the fish caught by recreational fishermen who head out on deep-sea fishing trips.
For those who grew up fishing in local waters, the slow death of cherished traditions continues.
The commercial fishing fleet’s woes have been well publicized, as the federal government has changed its method for managing the fleet and has dropped the allowed catch considerably. The double whammy has led many a fisherman to give up his business.
Now it spreads to charter boats, and for ports across the North Shore, this is a serious and substantial blow. This year, new restrictions are going into place per order of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees fisheries. The new rules place various limitation on the fish caught by recreational fishermen who head out on deep-sea fishing trips.
The harder blow comes on Sept. 1, when the “closed season” begins. This is two months earlier than the prior rules had set. September is one of the best months, if not the best month, for recreational fishing in the region. The weather and temperature are often ideal for being out on the sea, and fish are migrating and active.
Charter boat fishing is a substantial waterfront business locally, employing dozens of captains and crew members.
Read the full opinion piece at The Salem News