August 27, 2014 — The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council reviewed and maintained previously established commercial quotas and recreational harvest limits for summer flounder, scup and black sea bass for the 2015 fishing season. In all likelihood this will translate to status-quo recreational and commercial fishing regulations in Rhode Island for these species.
However, the bluefish quota has been decreased from 2014 to account for scientific uncertainty regarding the estimated biomass.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council decided to forgo setting research set asides for the four species in 2015 due to concern regarding misuse and illegal harvest. Earlier this summer the federal government issued 70 grand-jury subpoenas throughout New York as part of two-year investigation into illegal harvest under the guise of research set aside fishing. The council did allow for the possibility of resuming the program in 2016, pursuant to improvements in quota monitoring and program oversight.
Rhode Island will be given its share of new quotas and will develop specie management plan recommendations for consideration by the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council consideration and approval by DEM director Janet Coit. Rhode Island fishing regulations are discussed at advisory panel meetings and public hearings, which are both open to the public. They are considered and approved in winter months.
Read the full story at the Providence Journal