September 28, 2012 — The following was released by NOAA
In April 2012, we issued a notice announcing the implementation of the Coastal Gulf of Maine Closure Area beginning October 1, 2012 under the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan regulations. After reviewing a request to analyze updated harbor porpoise bycatch and fishing information, we have decided to temporarily shift, for one year, the dates of the Coastal Gulf of Maine Closure Area to February and March of 2013.
In August 2012, we received a request from a fishing industry representative to temporarily shift the dates of the Coastal Gulf of Maine Closure from October and November of 2012 to February 1 through March 31 of 2013, citing conservation benefits to harbor porpoises and economic benefits to the struggling groundfish industry. After careful review and consideration of the request and updated harbor porpoise bycatch and fishing effort data, we conclude that there is a benefit to harbor porpoises by shifting the timing of the closure to the entire month of February and March, and there may be economic benefits to the groundfish industry by allowing fishing to occur during October and November. This is a temporary shift that is only applicable to February and March of 2013. As a reminder, pinger requirements still apply when the area is not closed. You are responsible for ensuring that your nets are equipped with the proper number of functioning pingers.
We plan to convene the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team in late October to review the most recent harbor porpoise abundance and bycatch information, as well as information related to changes in fishing effort and practices that may have resulted from the implementation of groundfish sectors in 2010. At that time, the Team may recommend an alternative conservation strategy for effectively reducing harbor porpoise bycatch in gillnet fisheries.
The two-year average bycatch rate in the Southern New England Management Area has not exceeded the target rate. Therefore, the Eastern Cape Cod and Cape Cod South Expansion Consequence Closure Areas will not be closed at this time. We will continue to monitor bycatch rates in these areas.