June 22, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA:
We are seeking public comment on an action that would set catch limits for four groundfish stocks the 2017 fishing year (May 1, 2017-April 30, 2018), as follows:
- Georges Bank cod would quota would decrease by 13%
- Georges Bank haddock quota would increase by 2%
- Georges Bank yellowtail flounder would decrease by 23%
- Witch flounder quota would increase by 91%
We set catch limits for the 2017 fishing year for the remaining 16 groundfish stocks in Framework 55. The 2017 catch limits for these 16 stocks remain the same as or similar to 2016 limits.
This action will set sector allocations and common pool trip limits based on the 2017 limits and finalized 2017 sector rosters.
Framework 56 would also:
- Create an allocation of northern windowpane flounder for the scallop fishery;
- Revise the trigger for implementing the scallop fishery’s accountability measures for both its GB yellowtail flounder and northern windowpane flounder allocation; and
- Increase the GB haddock allocation for the midwater trawl fishery.
Finally, this action describes the accountability measures for the 2017 fishing year for the northern and southern windowpane flounder.
Read the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register, and the supplemental documents on our website.
Please submit your comments through the online portal by July 7, 2017.
You may also submit comments through regular mail to:
John Bullard, Regional Administrator
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov