December 19, 2023 — Groundfish catch limits for the 2024 Northeast fishing year were approved by the New England Fishery Management Council at its December meeting in Newport, R.I.
Framework Adjustment 66 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan would take effect with the start of the fishing season May 1, once approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Some provisions will apply to the 2025 and 2026 fishing years as well. The framework includes:
· Fishing year 2024 and 2025 total allowable catches for three shared U.S./Canada resources – Eastern Georges Bank cod, Eastern Georges Bank haddock, and Georges Bank yellowtail flounder.
· Fishing year 2024 and 2025 specifications for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, white hake, and Gulf of Maine haddock.