October 6, 2020 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
After more than three-and-a-half years of hard work on developing measures to improve the groundfish monitoring program, the New England Fishery Management Council took final action on September 30, 2020 on Amendment 23 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. The Council overwhelmingly voted to submit the amendment to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS, NOAA Fisheries) for review, approval, and implementation.
The Council supported the following measures for this action.
- 100% Monitoring: The Council adopted a target at-sea monitoring coverage rate of 100% for all groundfish sector trips for the first four fishing years following the effective date of Amendment 23. This target rate is intended to establish a baseline of accurate and precise catch information for the fishery until a subsequent Council action modifies the coverage level.
- The Council recognized that waivers for at-sea monitoring coverage may be granted “in limited circumstances and for good cause only,” such as when at-sea monitors are not available.