July 7, 2021 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
After thoroughly debating the issue during its June 22-24, 2021 webinar meeting, the New England Fishery Management Council voted to recommend that NOAA Fisheries rescind the existing control dates for both the skate wing and skate bait fisheries. The current control dates are:
- Skate Bait Fishery – July 30, 2009; and
- Skate Wing Fishery – March 31, 2014.
The Council originally recommended control dates because it was concerned about potential increases in effort and speculative entry into the fishery while it explored limited access options for skates.